Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Tuesday, 25 March 2014

The Virgin Annunciate at Howden


Today is the feast of the Annunciation and a good day on which to post a picture of a fourteenth century statue which survives in one of my favourite medeival churches, the little known but marvellous minster at Howden in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

The statue is of the Virgin Annunciate, and Our Lady is shown holding the Dove of the Holy Spirit, which speaks into her ear. A rare and delightful representation.



The Virgin Annunciate at Howden

Image:glitterburn.dreamwidth


The photograph is not as clear as I would like, but the only other one I could find online had a reproduction fee.

Howden Minster has an Anglo-Catholic tradition, hence the modern damask hanging behind the statue.  

To whet your appetite for a visit to this great church the local council's tourist website about the Minster can be read here, and here is another view of the building. 

Howden - External View

Howden Minster from the east - the choir has been a ruin since 1696

Image: cornishchurches.com 

 

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