St Mary the Virgin's Church, Fairford (Misericords)

The Guide Book says the Chancel Stalls probably came from Cirencester Abbey after the Dissolution of the Monasteries (1540), and were possibly carved about 1300, during the reign of Edward I.

The space between the stalls is narrow, and the carvings are not easy to photograph, and even in situ are difficult to decipher. However the Guide Book tells us they are:

(* the one nearest the camera on this photograph)

At a time when standing was mandatory during services, the ledges above the carvings offered brief respite for the clergy, as they could be tilted forwards to be used as (very narrow) seats.

(Information provided by Rosemary Lockie)