Lower Swell (Gloucestershire)


The chancel arch of this remarkable church has this kneeling or squatting female exhibitionist: a rare position for such a carving.

 

A capital supporting the chancel arch has this very crude carving of Luxuria being assailed by a snake.


Another carving in the church shows a bearded male with jug-handle ears resembling that of Painswick 50 km to the W, but not (or no longer) exhibitionist.

 


Lower Swell church is also remarkable for a tympanum showing a
Tree of Life whose fruit is being pecked by what is probably a peacock
(symbol of immortal life) - though it might be a crow!


More on the church of Lower Swell

photos by John Harding and Tina Negus