Description
Painted wooden angel with outstretched wings, set at the junction of the decorated roof timbers. The angel holds a blue shield bearing a gold chevron between three gold pheons. The figure has painted facial features, dark hair and a pale-gold robe.
Heraldry
Blazon (as depicted): Azure, a chevron between three pheons, Or.
Plain English: A blue shield with a gold chevron between three gold pheons (stylised arrowheads), two above the chevron and one below.
Identification:
These are the arms of William Swayne, the wealthy Salisbury merchant and civic figure who financed the fifteenth-century rebuilding of St Stephen’s Chapel, now the Lady Chapel. Swayne’s arms and merchant’s mark recur on the chapel roof.
Condition
Restored and renewed in 2025, the figure is substantially intact and the design of the shield is clearly legible. There is visible wear and some loss to the painted and gilded surfaces, particularly on the wings, robe and shield. The facial paint also shows areas of wear. The principal colours and decorative forms nevertheless remain readily visible.