Saint Edmund (841 – 69) was brought up as a Christian, and became King of the East Angles in about AD 865.
In 869 – 70. The Great Army of Vikings, under Ingwar, invaded East Anglia. Edmund led his army against them, but was defeated and captured. He refused to deny his Christian faith or rule as Ingwar’s vassal. He was killed, being shot with arrows, and beheaded, as a roof boss in this chapel depicts.*
Within the chapel is a triptych depicting Jesus Christ, Jerusalem and Tewkesbury. The three-part painting features images associated with the town, such as mustard flowers and horseradish plants.
*From an information board next to the chapel
You have reminded me, as so often you do, that a visit is long overdue. What fine colours in this little Chapel
The Abbey is a treasure. It was late in the day so the light was not optimal. I too need to go back for another visit to see the things I missed
i’m glad that you included the diagram of the triptych Cherie… it’s difficult to see it above the altar… the painting of Jesus is superb….peter:)
I did try to get a close up of the triptych but the light was not up to it and my photos came out blurred. The whole artwork is superb. I need to go back and try again
This is such an extraordinary painting, absolute wonderful colours and details. I love the board explaining ‘who is who’ I assume that it shows ‘who is most important’ and is on the front row.
I hope that you have a chance to go back and see it again.
This painting really captured my attention leading me to research when I got home
So many places to see. So little time! Maybe Lisl will wait for us when we visit her in September…..
Ask her not to take you on a Monday. The Abbey is open but Tewkesbury is mostly shut