The choir stalls in Manchester Cathedral date from around 1505-1510. This misericord, in the first stall from the west on the south side of the choir, depicts the Lathom Legend of the "Eagle and Child". The legend tells that Sir Thomas Lathom was carried away in infancy by an eagle, and was later rescued unhurt from the bird's nest. The carving depicts four figures carrying axes and tools, walking towards a castle. One figure is knocking at the castle gate, whilst two figures are looking up towards a tree in which an eagle, since damaged and missing its head, perches on a nest in which a swaddled baby is lying. The misericord is supported on either side by leaves.
Sir Thomas Lathom's only surviving child, Isabel, married Sir John Stanley. A descendent, Warden Stanley, was the first occupant of the dean's stall in the choir of Manchester Cathedral. Three carvings depicting the Lathom Legend can be found in the choir: this misericord and the armrest of its stall, and the desk standard of the dean's stall.
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, Stall, Medieval Collegiate Church, Medieval Parish Church, Post Medieval Collegiate Church, Post Medieval Parish Church, Post Medieval Cathedral, Religion
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