Jesse

This huge wooden sculpture in St Mary’s priory church at Abergavenny was carved from one piece of oak in medieval times. Originally it formed the base of a tree with branches, emanating from the groin, all brightly painted. The wooden sculpture depicts Jesse, father of King David, with the tree depicting the lineage of Jesus Christ. No other wooden sculpture of this scale survived the reformation in Britain, its survival is remarkable. The Jesse Tree above it was destroyed during the civil war. In 2016 Jesse was repositioned on a new wooden plinth, beneath new stained glass depicting the lineage of Christ. It’s been done well.

I found Abergavenny a friendly place. I had lunch in the former 14th century tithe barn that adjoins the church. I was told to “take a seat my lovely”. I had a “Hi de Hi moment” momentarily.