All Saints, Shelfanger, Norfolk: A Jewel of a Medieval Wall Painting

 

Today, a book arrived in the post for me - 'Steeple Chasing (Around Britain by Church)' by Peter Ross. The book is a gift from my friend, Eucalyptus Klopf. On page five is a short passage that beautifully sums up the value of our medieval church heritage - not least, in Norfolk, with over six hundred and fifty extant medieval churches:

'A map of churches is a treasure map. They contain art and architectural wonders, and might be regarded as one great hoard scattered, like a handful of jewels, across these isles.'

Yes, this definitely resonates with me. For instance, earlier today (Saturday 25th May 2024) I visited All Saints, Shelfanger, for the first time. On the south-east corner of the church is a recess on which is painted a remarkable wall painting depicting the Visit of the Magi. 

This was revealed in 1966 during restoration work when a workman realised that the wall he was working on sounded hollow and was a 'false' wall. His curiosity exposed this fine painting of the East Anglian School of artists that was subsequently dated to the thirteenth century. 

According to Mortlock & Roberts (The Guide to Norfolk Churches' 2nd Ed, 2007), 'It is indeed of outstanding quality and the happy chance and nature of its concealment has preserved much more detail than is usual; the Virgin crowned and with long wavy fair hair, the Child with one hand raised in blessing and the apple of knowledge and humanity in the other.'

The Fallible Flâneur <*(((((><{