The life of a mediaeval monk was a hard one! So how did a small piece of woodwork make it a little bit easier? As well as carrying out skilled tasks such as illuminating manuscripts, the monks’ main job was to pray in the Cathedral eight times a day. The first service was at 2 o’clock in the morning and the last one at 9 at night. These services mostly involved the monks standing up in the choirstalls – so they spent a long time on their feet. This is where misericords came in!
The seats in the choirstalls are hinged and tip up to reveal a ledge against which the monks (and today the choristers) could lean for support during the services. These ledges are misericords – the name comes from the Latin word misericordia, meaning pity or mercy (on the monks’ feet!).
Although the ledges would never be seen, and so could have been plain and functional, the carvers always took great time and trouble to create elaborate pictures – from religious and everyday life but also fantastical scenes.
There are almost 80 different misericords in Westminster Abbey, dating from the 16th and 18th centuries. The carvings include animals – geese, lions, bears, phoenixes, dragons, serpents, boars and more – angry devils, domestic violence, and fights.
How many of us would spend so much time and skill on work that would never be fully appreciated? Why did the woodworkers do it?
Join my tour of Westminster Abbey to learn more about these fascinating stories in wood, and to discover your favourite among them.