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.


Saturday, 6 December 2014

Images of St Nicholas - old and new


Today is the feast of St Nicholas,who is patron of many groups as well as many historic churches and, of course, many people.

On the Medieval Religion discussion group the Rev.Gordon Plumb has posted what he describes as a small selection of glass images of St Nicholas - but which includes the wonderful window from Bourges in central France, and the very impressive one from Hillesdon in Buckinghamshire:

Chetwode, St Mary & St Nicholas, Buckinghamshire, sII, 1c: c.1270-80:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/22274117@N08/8040506444
Sées Cathedral, Chapel of St Nicholas, Bay 13: c.1270-80.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/22274117@N08/4056609262

Hillesden, All Saints, Buckinghamshire, sIV, early 16thC.:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/22274117@N08/2446361803
A set of this window can be found here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/22274117@N08/sets/72157604761597066


A friend has sent me a depiction of St Nicholas that is both very traditional, being an icon, and also reflects the modern perception of his alter ego, Santa Claus.



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