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, 20 August 2024

Marian Pilgrimage - Our Lady of Howden, of Stamford, and of Flawford


These three medieval statues of Our Lady are additions I made to the original list. There is no evidence that they were the focus of any organised pilgrimages in the medieval period. Rather they were doubtless the focus of private devotion in their particular churches. That was no doubt as sincere as that offered at a specific place of pilgrimage. 

However as rare survivals I thought them worthy additions indicating what would have been normative in a collegiate church such as Howden, a wealthy urban church such as St Mary’s in Stamford and in a rural parish such as Flawford. 


May Our Lady of Howden, of Stamford, and of Flawford pray for The King and all the Royal Family and for us all


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