Enhanced image
Description
Winged angel shown frontally with outstretched wings, holding a heraldic shield. The figure has shoulder-length hair and wears a green garment with a red collar. The shield is blue-green and bears a tall central figure or vertical motif.
Heraldry
Blazon
Azure, an episcopal staff in pale Or, ensigned with a cross pattée Argent, surmounted by a pallium Argent, edged and fringed Or, charged with four crosses pattée fitchée Sable.
Plain English
On a blue shield is a gold archbishop’s staff, with a white cross at its head. Over it lies the white archiepiscopal pallium, edged and fringed with gold and originally bearing four small black crosses.
Identification: See of Canterbury — probable.
Condition
The carving is substantially intact, including the head, wings, hands and shield. Considerable painted decoration survives on the figure and surrounding woodwork. The shield’s central device is heavily abraded, making its original form uncertain.