The Three Choirs: A Handbook to the Cathedrals of Gloucester, Hereford, and Worcester: A Complete Description of the Buildings, a History of Each Diocese and Biographical Notices of the BishopsKing, R. J. (Richard John)
Religion
The Three Choirs: A Handbook to the Cathedrals of Gloucester, Hereford, and Worcester: A Complete Description of the Buildings, a History of Each Diocese and Biographical Notices of the Bishops
In the central bay on the north side of the chapel is a very fine
Perpendicular monumental recess, within which is laid the effigy (much
earlier than the recess) of a knight of the Bohun family. The recess
itself has an upper stage or canopy, with open tabernacle-work, in the
arches of which figures have been placed, none of which originally
belonged to it, with the exception of the two central ones, now
headless, representing the Saviour and the Blessed Virgin. The figures
on either side were found imbedded in a mass of mortar behind the oaken
choir-screen, on its removal by Mr. Cottingham. They represent St. John
the Baptist, St. Thomas Cantilupe, and St. Thomas of Canterbury,--the
latter distinguished by the pall and the patriarchal cross,--the fourth
figure is uncertain.
The effigy placed in this recess has generally been assigned to Humphrey
de Bohun, Earl of Hereford, _temp._ Edward III. He was not however
interred in this cathedral; and although the effigy is certainly of
that date, it probably represents some less distinguished member of that
great family. The features, uninjured, are fine. The chain-mail, the
fringed poleyns at the knees, the surcoat, and all the details, should
be noticed. The dog at the feet turns upward, licking his paw.
The monument, with effigy, in the most eastern bay on this side, is that
of JOANNA DE BOHUN, Countess of Hereford, (called Joanna de Kilpeck,
from her castle there,) (died 1327). It has been painted in accordance
with the remains of colour on its several portions; but with very
indifferent success. The effigy is a good example of costume. Male and
female heads project at the angles of the canopy; and the border of the
slab on which the effigy rests has small human heads and roses with
their leaves, alternately. The will of the Countess bequeaths a
considerable estate to the cathedral.
XIX. In the central bay on the south side is the _Audley Chapel or
Chantry_, [Plate IX.,] constructed by Bishop EDMUND AUDLEY, (1492-1502,)
before his translation to Salisbury in the latter year. The chantry here
was no doubt intended for the place of his own interment; but during his
episcopate at Salisbury (1502-1524) he built a second chantry in the
choir of that cathedral, (see Handbook for SALISBURY,) within which he
was buried.
The Audley Chapel at Hereford is of two stages, access to the upper
being afforded by a circular staircase at the south-west angle. The
lower story is separated
[Illustration: THE SCREEN OF BISHOP AUDLEY’S CHANTRY.
PLATE IX.
]
from the Lady-chapel by a lofty stone screen with pierced panels.
Figures of saints and of religious persons are represented on this
screen, which has been restored and painted. The iron-work on the door
opening to the staircase is excellent as an example, and should be
noticed. The lock bears the Bishop’s initials.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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