Enhanced image
Description
A frontal winged angel with the head raised slightly upwards. The figure holds a long, pointed shield in front of the body. The wings spread horizontally to either side and retain clearly carved feather forms. Traces of red, green, black and pale paint survive on the figure and surrounding timbers.
Heraldry
Blazon Gules, two keys in saltire, wards upwards and outwards. The original tinctures of the keys are uncertain.
Plain English: A red shield bearing two crossed keys, with their handles below and their wards pointing upwards and outwards. The heart-shaped forms at the bottom are the ornamental bows or handles of the keys
The crossed keys are the traditional emblem of St Peter, referring to the “keys of the kingdom of heaven” given to Peter in Matthew 16:19. They became a common medieval ecclesiastical device and were also incorporated into papal heraldry. The shield is therefore more likely to be an emblem of St Peter than the arms of a particular family. The surviving colours of the keys may not preserve their original medieval tinctures.
Identification: RCHME: Gules, two keys, in saltire or; Buckeridge: Gules, two keys, in saltire or.
Condition
The carving appears substantially complete, although the surface is faded and abraded. The face retains its main features but has suffered paint loss. The wings preserve their overall shape and much of their carved feathering. The design on the shield remains visible, but its finer details are indistinct and the surviving colours are muted.