Numbered frieze in West Gable of Ardmore Cathedral
Interpretations based on the excellent Corpus of Romanesque Sculpture of Britain and Ireland entry for Ardmore
1 Blank
2 Blank
3 Building of Solomon’s temple (Harbison) or a thresher (Canon Power)
4 David’s charge to Solomon to go and be a man. Figure seated or kneeling, with object held over head. A seated figure lays a hand on the head of a figure kneeling who is holding a sword
5 Two unidentified standing figures wearing pleated robes.
6 A standing figure wearing ecclesiastical robes. Not identified.
7 Crucifixion or Christ in Glory. Perhaps angels close to Christ.
8 A religious figure with crozier and hand raised in blessing. Only inserted here in 20th century.
9 Building of Solomon’s temple or Resurrection? Figures may be emerging from a tomb.
10 Last Judgement and the weighing of the souls.
11 Building of Solomon’s temple
12 Blank
13 Blank
14 Equestrian figure
15 Adam and Eve
16 David and Goliath
17 Judgement of Solomon
18 Adoration of the Magi
A description of the sculptural frieze on the west gable of Ardmore cathedral. Photograph by John Sunderland.
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