Thursday, 11 June 2009
40 Members and guests enjoyed a tour of Cartmel Priory led by Gail Swanson and Maurice Howarth on the evening of Thursday May 28th 2009.
After a brief introduction the party divided into 2 groups and were guided around the many fascinating features of the 12th Century Priory Church.
The architecture was discussed along with the different stages of development. Members were intrigued by the fact that the upper tower had been built at right angles to the lower tower, a unique feature in England.
In the Chancel there was lively discussion on the wonderfully preserved misericords and the enormous East window, an echo of the East window at York Minster.
The very rare 13th century quadripartite stone vaulted ceiling and the Transitional Norman arch with dog tooth and chevron decoration in the Piper Choir, drew much interest. Also the four exquisite 20th Century sculptures by Josefina de Vasconcellos were greatly admired, especially ”The Young Martyr” which commemorates the 4 Canons and 10 Husbandmen who were executed at Lancaster Castle in 1537 for resisting the closure of Cartmel Priory during King Henry V111’s Dissolution of the Monasteries.
Members appreciated the opportunity of deepening their knowledge of the Priory and it’s 800 years of history.
Our next lecture will be on Thursday June 25th at 7.30pm at Cartmel Village Hall entitled "A Forgotten Architect : William Moss Settle and Vickerstown"
For more information about the Society – 015395 33165 or look at the website www.cartmel-peninsula-lhs.org.uk