Bishop James Russell Woodford, Bishop of Ely 1873-1885 founded Ely Theological College, which offered training for the priesthood. The Diocesan Office and Retreat House, which stand in the grounds of the Old College on Barton Road, are named after him. His portrait along with a lock of hair is displayed in the entrance hall. Bishop Woodford is buried in Bishop West’s Chapel.
Bishop James Woodford was probably the Bishop who had more impact than any other on the modern shape of the Diocese of Ely.
This distinguished Victorian bishop established a theological college in Ely in 1876 which was responsible for training priests for several generations. However, in 1964 it was decided by the Church of England that the college should be temporarily closed due to the decline in the number of graduates and the difficulty of providing the opportunity for theological study in a small cathedral city in the middle of an East Anglian fen. The college was never re-opened and the buildings were consequently sold to the King’s School.
*Additional information from a sign next to Bishop Woodford’s monument.
That is quite unusual to see a dragon at his feet, Cherry. I am always impressed with these tombs.
It was unusual to see a dragon on this fine statue.
Yes, I do agree about the dragon. I wonder what the significance is
I wasn’t sure either and after a bit of searching I found that:
“Placed at the foot of recumbent statues, it recalls those often placed at the feet of Mary, symbol of victory against evil.”
https://uk.tourisme93.com/basilica/symbolism-of-animals-at-the-feet-of-recumbent.html
I’m wondering about the dragon, too. Its more usual to have a doing at the feet. Brian Walbey has a shot fo Ely Cathedral today, too.
I searched around a bit and found the answer, see my comment above to Lisl.
What a coincidence that Brian has posted about Ely too. I will check his photo out.
Such intricate details in this work.
It is beautiful
very touching and incredible !
I like that the current retreat centre is in the grounds of the college he founded.
That’s not a dragon!
It’s Falkor.
He is cute enough to be