The choir stalls of St Mary's Church feature 20 medieval misericords dating from the late 14th century. This misericord - the ninth from the west on the south side of the choir - depicts the capture of a unicorn. It is considered that the unicorn, a symbol of purity, could only be overcome or tamed by a pure virgin, in whose lap the unicorn would lay its head in order to seek refuge. The second figure in this misericord, standing behind the unicorn and since damaged, was likely holding a knife in order to hunt the unicorn.
This is part of the Series: LTC01/01 Lady Trenchard Cox: Series of Negatives; within the Collection: LTC01 Lady Trenchard Cox Collection
© Historic England Archive
Photographer: Cox, Mary Desiree
Misericord, Medieval Church, Post Medieval Parish Church, Religion
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