Norman (c 1150) font of polished Tournai 'marble' (Carboniferous limestone) in the N aisle of the nave of Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire, England, UK
Norman (c 1150) font of polished Tournai 'marble' (Carboniferous limestone) in the N aisle of the nave of Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire, England, UK, showing miracles from the legendary life of St Nicholas. This panel depicts Bishop Nicholas with mitre & crozier after saving the daughters of an impoverished nobleman from prostitution by giving three bags of gold for dowries. Patron saint of children & the inspiration for Santa Claus, Nicholas was a C4th Bishop of Myra in modern Turkey, famed for his generosity & kindness, especially towards children. Made from a single block ( tonnes) quarried & transported from Tournai in modern Belgium, the font stands on a stone base with four corner pillars. Believed to be the gift of Bishop Henry of Blois, grandson of William the Conqueror.
Size: 4884px × 3664px
Location: Winchester Cathedral, Winchester, Hampshire, England, UK
Photo credit: © Mick Sharp / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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