Parrot Lectern - St Cross

Winchester doesn't just have a cathedral and all the early history of King Alfred and the pre-Norman kings, it also has the Hospital of St Cross and "almshouses of noble poverty".  

Founded by Henry de Blois, a grandson of William the Conqueror and half brother of King Stephen, it is the oldest almshouse with a church which really is a Norman cathedral on a small scale.  Really worth a visit.

What is rather wonderful is the lectern.  It has a parrot's head on an eagle's body, with a heart lying on the top of the head.  I understand the reason was intended to remind the vicar that.." the words of the Bible should be read with conviction, not just repeated like a parrot".

Nice touch.