Stonework & Architecture
Tympanum
This shows carving of the highest order, most probably the work of the Guild of Masons, based in Canterbury. Major and minor shafts with ornate capitals support an exquisite tympanum. The main subject a Majestas Domini (Christ in Glory) is surrounded by three voussoirs:
1. The innermost is a narrow band of foliage
2. The middle voussoir has fantastical representations of animals inspired by
medieval bestiaries
3. The outermost depicts more typical scenes of medieval life (possibly the labours of the months?) and a few with scriptural associations.
In the vesica, Christ raises one hand in blessing while the other holds an open book (the Bible?). He is surrounded above by Angels, two holding scrolls. At one remove are coroneted heads of noble mortals, while at his feet are a sphinx, two amphibious creatures
(mermaids?) and a griffin.
The Wheel Window
Norman wheel windows are much rarer than the rose design.
The spokes are colonnettes (round).
During the restoration one was found to be wooden and suffering with the ills of ancient wood and it had to be replaced, (perhaps the wooden one was a replacement for an original broken in the 12th century demolition at Hackington).
The rich frieze is a medley of winged beasts and foliage which merge into and out of one another in luxuriant abandon.
The corbel table of grotesque heads is engaging.
Close up of colonnette and part of frieze
Other Carvings
North Doorway (blocked)
Note the hood's triple chevron moulding beneath the band of foliage, and the ornate capitals. The left capital shows a dragon happily eating its tail; the right, two dancing girls.
The Priest's Doorway (blocked)
The hood has characteristic chevron moulding while the damaged tympanum shows a mutilated crown head between two knobs with deep incisions and unknown significance.
More heads from the corbel table
Some believe these represent evil spirits driven from the church on consecration!
