Misericord

Today's the day ....................... to carve

This is one of the carved wooden misericords in Ripon Cathedral.

Just in case you don't know - a misericord is a small wooden shelf on the underside of a folding seat in a church, installed to provide a degree of comfort for a person who has to stand during long periods of prayer.  Prayers in the early medieval church were said standing with uplifted hands. Those who were old or infirm could use crutches or, as time went on, misericordia (literally "act of mercy"). Like most other medieval woodwork in churches, they were usually carved with skill and often show detailed scenes even though they lie hidden underneath the seats.

This one is particularly interesting because it shows a griffin chasing a rabbit, whilst another rabbit escapes down its hole.  It is believed to have inspired Lewis Carroll in his writing of Alice in Wonderland.  His father was a Canon at Ripon from 1852-1868.

And another curiosity, which I just have to show you - pictured below - is the very strange wooden hand to be found at the base of the organ 'balcony'.  It dates from 1695 and it was used to conduct the choir.  Even more incredibly - it still works ......................