Carrying on from yesterday's thread, here is a few more things to keep your eye out for when you visit Exeter Cathedral, such as the 3-arched pulpitum, completed in 1324. It was built as a barrier and to limit the view of the choir and east end of the church. 1/6
For the cat lovers there is a door in the N transept/tower which has a round hole in to allow a cat to roam around as a nemesis to rats and mice. Obviously, there wasn't an endless supply as in the 15C a penny a week was provided to feed the cat. #CatsOnTwitter 2/6
The astronomical clock, made in 1484, has the sun (Fleur-de-lis) & moon (an orb that changes between silver & black with the lunar phase) revolving around the earth (central gold orb). The Roman Numerals are the hours of the day, the Arabic numbers are days of the lunar month.3/6
There are many tombs of note within the cathedral. For those who like the gruesome, this is a cadaver tomb. This type of effigy was made as a reminder of fragility & short-term nature of the mortal life & the importance of preparing for the afterlife. #Momentomorimonday 4/6
This effigy is Dorothy, Lady Dodderidge (d.1614) wearing a sumptuous dress with detailed paintwork to replicate the fabric design. The skull, which she is reclining on, like the previous effigy is a reminder of death. #Momentomorimonday 5/6
We are all used to war memorials for soldiers who died in action. This one, made by Marochetti, is from 1860 for the 9th Queens Royal Lancers who were killed in action, but also died 'from the effects of climate'. The names are flanked by two bronze lancers and palm trees. 6/6
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Exeter's origins and significance is tied with the River Exe which, in part, is where it got part of its name. In the very early 12C, Nicholas Gervase a merchant and his son, Walter, fundraised & organised the building of the first stone bridge across the river. 1/7
The bridge had 17 or 18 arches, which spanned a total distance of around 180m. The road which was 4.2m between the parapet walls (fairly wide for a medieval bridge) was originally paved with flagstones and had guttering that emptied into the river. 2/7
Despite the bridge being essentially being of one build (although there were some repairs), there is a mixture of pointed & rounded arches normally associated with different periods. Either side of the arch piles, cutwaters were constructed to help to reduce water resistance. 3/7
St Pancras Church is one of my favourites in Exeter is not because of it being an architectural marvel, but simply because of its location; being a near constant in time despite being surrounded by a shopping centre.
As you can see from the maps, the site has changed somewhat since the 1900s. For a while church was surrounded by a carpark & houses, but in the 1970s the Guildhall shopping centre was built around it. Built in local red Heavitree stone, the church is an architectural survivor.
The first mention of the church is in 1191, but it is likely to be a much older foundation. This idea is supported by the dedication as well as a description of a Saxon doorway, which alas was lost when the chancel was rebuilt in the late 19C.
A 3rd & final (for now) thread on Exeter Cathedral. The present building was started in the early 12C. Whilst much of this phase has been rebuilt, the 2 towers giving the building its distinctive shape remain. 1/5 (Threads 1 & 2)
The towers with their Romanesque architectural style haven't entirely remained constant in their 900-year history, for instance, the North tower had a small spire in the 17C as seen in this engraving in the Exeter cathedral archives. 2/5
From the 1270s a rebuilding project meant that much of the cathedral was replaced in the Decorated Gothic Style. The pillars were built of Purbeck Marble from Dorset, with its blueish hue. The rest of the carved masonry is largely Beer Limestone, quarried about 20 miles away.3/5