ST. GEORGE TO THE RESCUE 

 

 

 

 

The discovery of 15th-century

murals in the Vale of Glamorgan

caused international excitement.

Helen Morgan reports:   

 

                                                                                                         

                                                                      

       Image : Keith Thomas and St. Cadoc's Church Llancarfan  

Twenty years ago while St Cadoc’s church in Llancarfan was undergoing repairs, some of the lime wash fell off the wall and a ‘Red Line’ emerged beneath. This indicated the likely existence of a major wall painting under the layers of lime used by Protestant zealots during the reign of Edward VI to obliterate the church’s Catholic past. Half a millennium later, a vivid depiction of the Seven Deadly Sins cavorting around the arch of the south-east window was uncovered, typical of the fire and brimstone mindset associated with medieval Catholicism. Nearby, lurking behind 20 layers of lime is a gruesome depiction of Death and the Gallant, a variation on the Medieval Danse Macabre motif, emphasising the futility of earthly vanity. In this version a young man — dressed in the height of 15th-century fashion with his knitted Monmouth cap — is shown being dragged to his doom by a shroud-wrapped skeleton. “Most impressive, however, is one of the largest and most spectacular tableaux of St George and the Dragon ever seen in a British church,” says Professor Madeleine Gray. This covers much of the wall in the south aisle and represents the full version of the legend set in Libya: St George is spearing the dragon. To his left, the princess he has just saved looks on, with a lamb symbolising her innocence. Her parents gaze in hope and terror from the ramparts of their castle. Behind St George is the figure of the Virgin Mary, blessing his endeavours.”
This story originated in Cappadocia before transferring to Libya. It is one which grew in the telling, partly influenced by its popularity in late medieval drama. “It is important to remember that St George is not killing the dragon but wounding and subduing it,” says Professor Gray. “In the full version, St George instructs the princess to tie her girdle round the dragon’s neck. The dragon then becomes ‘meek’ and the princess is able to lead it into the town. Initially its citizens were terrified. Then St George spoke to them, urging them to be baptised. Once the king led the way, his subjects followed his example. Only then did St. George slay the dragon.”

Professor Madeleine Gray’s talk in the Borough Theatre on April 23rd starts at 7.30pm. It is free to members. Non-members may join on the night. (£15 membership). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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