St Bridget's Church, Skenfrith / Ynysgynwraidd (The Chancel)
The band of carved oak just below the East Window is modern, but is a copy of a fifteenth century
French design. It has a repeated pattern of five “Bosses”, which - the guide book
explains - represent the history of the church, with the following meanings:
- The acorns and oakleaves which form part of the badge of St Bridget.
- The fleur-de-lis, a design borne by the Princes of Gwent, which later gave
way to the Three Feathers, now used by the Prince of Wales.
- The Rose of Lancaster - the Lords of Skenfrith were Dukes of
Lancaster. Henry de Grosmont, the first Duke, was born in Grosmont Castle.
- The Tudor Rose, symbolising the joining of the Houses of York and
Lancaster, when Henry VII married Elizabeth of York.
- The Pomegranate - this emblem is taken from the Royal Arms of
Spain, and was possibly introduced by Constantia, Princess of Spain, the
second wife of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster.
(Information provided by Rosemary Lockie)
Image contributed by Rosemary Lockie on 25th June 2009.
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