Enhanced image
Description
Winged angel with outstretched wings, holding a heraldic shield. The figure has long dark hair and a calm, frontal expression. Surviving painted decoration is visible on the figure and wings; the shield retains substantial areas of red paint.
Heraldry
The shield is predominantly red in its surviving painted state. No heraldic charge can presently be identified with confidence. The extensive loss and abrasion of the painted surface make it uncertain whether the surviving red represents the original field or part of a more complex design.
Condition
The figure survives substantially complete, including both outstretched wings, head, torso, arms and shield. The carved detail is generally well preserved, but the painted surface has suffered considerable loss and abrasion. Traces of colour remain on the face, hair, clothing, wings and shield. The shield retains particularly conspicuous areas of red paint.
Interpretation
The figure forms part of the series of carved angels attached to the timbers of the South Aisle ceiling. Its principal identifying feature is the heraldic shield, although the surviving paint does not at present permit the arms to be identified. The angel should therefore be recorded without attributing the shield to a particular family or individual unless further evidence becomes available.