We are delighted this month to launch the second edition of the book written about our unique 16th Century roof carvings. The first edition was far more popular than we could have hoped, and sold out in less than a year.
Two academics, Professor Peverley (University of Liverpool) and Professor Luxford (University of St Andrews) bought copies of the first edition, and were able to offer further fascinating insights into some of the carvings. For instance they were able to date accurately when the ceiling was carved. They did this by analysis of the appearance and clothes worn by the figures. The sciapod, the mythical creature with the giant foot depicted below, sports a beard and doublet of this period
and the other strange gentleman who seems to be crawling out of a shell or a shroud wears a ruffed collar. These came into fashion around 1520, and as the ceiling would not have been carved after the split with Rome by Henry VIII, a process completed in 1534, the roof must have been carved between 1520 and 1534. So this helps us to know pretty exactly WHEN it was carved, if not by whom.
They were also able to identify the benefactor for the carvings. The only coat of arms on the roof, which almost certainly was included as a mark of respect to the sponsor or benefactor of the carvings, as that belonging to the Earl of Stafford and his family. Gazeley was certainly in their possession in the 15th Century, having been inherited by descent and then marriage from the de Clare family, based locally at Clare castle. Richard de Clare had been given over 100 manors after the conquest by William the Conqueror as a reward for his help, including that of Gazeley.
The expert historians have also given us many other fascinating insights to the carvings, all of which have been incorporated into the new edition.
The book costs £8.00 and can be purchased at:
Moulton Village shop
The Chequers Pub Gazeley during normal opening hours
By e mail from: lazarusnfp@btinternet.com ( add postage and packing £1.75)
On Amazon (where it is sadly more expensive at £10.50, but can be convenient for delivery etc)
Or direct from the Men Myths and Monsters page on this website.
All Saints' Church, Gazeley 