Reasons for Designation
Poor souls' lights are medieval structures which were used to hold candles for
masses said for the souls of the poor, and were also places where alms might
be left. Bisley poor souls' light is of 13th century date, and appears
to be in its original position within the churchyard. Few surviving examples
of poor souls' lights have been recorded in England, and this is believed to
be the only one surviving out of doors. The monument survives in an area of
Bisley which has a history of religious use dating back possibly to the late
prehistoric period.
Details
The monument includes a poor souls' light of 13th century date which stands in
the southern part of the churchyard of All Saint's Church, 14.9m from the
south west corner of the church porch. The light, which is Listed Grade II*,
is about 3.5m high and has a circular stone base 1.6m in diameter, on which
stands a stone hexagon about 1.4m tall. Cut into each face of the hexagon are
recesses with trefoil-headed gables and attached shafts of Early English type
with moulded capitals and carved banding. Above this is a hexagonal spire
which also has trefoil-headed gable openings in each face. The original roll
mouldings to the spire are mostly missing, and the spire has also been cut off
above the arches. The monument is surmounted by a Celtic-style cross added
during the 19th century.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
31921
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals
Legal
This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as amended as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance. This entry is a copy, the original is held by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
End of official list entry
