Gents Mag 1849 part 1 p.259
|
|
|
|
|
introduction | ||
|
|
list, 2nd qtr 19th century | ||
|
|
previous page | ||
|
Gentleman's Magazine 1849 part 1 p.259
of the like number of lights, but of Early Perpendicular style. Above the upper set of sculptures are inscriptions in Latin in old characters, that extend round the bottom of the bowl. They have been deeply cut; but so few of the letters are now legible that nothing can be learnt from them, though probably they had reference to the subjects rudely sculptured in raised figures on each of the compartments or faces in the head. On the first of these faces is a representation of the tree of life. The second, upon a triangular shield, displays the emblems of the crucifixion. The third face represnts the wod proceeding out of the mouth of the Almighty to all parts of the world. The fourth symbolizes the Trinity. The fifth is difficult to decypher, but some appearances like vine leaves may be traced. The sixth, within a triangular shield, has Aaron's rod, and in the corners are smaller shields of the same shape, that on the dexter base of the larger shield being charged with the armorial bearings of the Multons, lords of Egremont and Cockermouth; but the one next the sinister base is not to be deciphered with precision. The seventh face represents the tree of knowledge of good and evil, with the tempter of mankind in the form of a dragon passing through the trunk, the meaning of which rudely executed symbols are by the intelligent sexton of the church quaintly construed to be, "the effects of a good sermon cut through, and rendered to no avail, by the Devil." On the eighth face, within an escutcheon of triangular form, are the royal arms of England as borne by Edward III.; and in the corners are two smaller shields, that next the dexter base of the royal achievement being charged with the armorial coat of Gilbert Umfreville, Earl of Angus; while the other, next the sinister base, shows the arms of the Lucys, successors to the Multons in the lordships above named. From these various architectural and heraldic devices it has been inferred that the font is as old as the reign of the chivalric sovereign above named, and that it was given to the church by the Earl of Angus and his wife Maud, the lineal descendant of Alice de Romeli, and sister and sole heiress of Anthony Lucy, feudal lord of the barony of Egremont and seignory of Cockermouth. (To be continued.) |
|||
|
|
continued | ||
|
gazetteer links
|
|||
|
|
-- St Kentigern's Church | ||
|
|
|||
Lakes Guides menu.