Description
A painted angel holds a shield in front of its chest. Its long wings spread downwards on either side, and the figure rests above an elaborately carved support. The red, cream and gold colouring distinguishes it from the unpainted figures elsewhere in the bay.
Heraldry
Blazon (provisional): Or, a cross gules.
A gold shield bearing a red cross extending to its edges. Gold is the preferred reading of the present painted field; silver remains an alternative. The original colour has not been established.
Identification: Unresolved. The Dictionary of British Arms (DBA) records the gold-field design for several bearers, including Bigod and de Burgh, Earls of Ulster. The design alone does not establish an attribution. The previous identification as St George depends on a silver or white field, which this photograph does not confirm.
DBA reference: Volume III, pp.103–104, Or, a cross gules, including Bigod and de Burgh/Ulster; pp.99–100 for the silver-field alternative, including St George.
Earlier interpretations:
Neither RCHME nor Buckeridge lists this object in the ceiling-heraldry compilation supplied by Chris Daniell.
Condition
This figure has been restored. Its paint and carved details are readily visible, although the photograph is slightly soft.