Carpenter's 800-Year-Old Rude Carving At All Saints Church
800 years ago at All Saints Church in Hereford, a skilful carpenter carved this gentleman high up in the dark roof where nobody could see him.
It is believed that a carpenter hid the carving, pictured above, in a church roof.
It was later discovered when the church built a new cafe in 1990, exposing the funny piece of woodwork!
The reclining nude man, nicknamed Seamus O'Toole, is believed to have been carved into the rafters in the 15th century.
Similar carvings are well documented in churches across Europe, with images of naked women prevailing.
The carvings are believed to be intended to ward off death, evil and demons.
It is far from the only lewd carving found in a Herefordshire church.
Tucked away in Kilpeck's beautiful church, among the ornately carved corbels, is a carving of a sheela na gig - a grotesque image of a woman exposing her genitals to the world.
The 12th century carving, pictured below, is thought to be one of the best examples in Britain, although they are found in churches throughout Europe.
The sculpture at All Saints Church shows a naked man holding his legs up, exposing his genitals.
It’s said that the hoist was a carpenter's "revenge" for not receiving his pay at the time.
However, many others like to suggest that it’s simply a carver’s joke.
In one corner of the roof, he could have been done as the carver was finishing his work, and the scaffolding swiftly removed before the priest or the parish bigwigs had had the chance to inspect the roof too closely.
We’ll never know the reason behind it for sure!
The figure remains visible to customers at the cafe to this day, lit up by a spotlight, although many may be unaware of its presence just six feet above their heads.
Similar carvings are well documented in churches across Europe, such as the example above, with images of naked women prevailing.
The carvings are believed to be intended to ward off death, evil and demons.
On average, the construction site of a large church would have between 50 and 100 skilled craftsmen working on it.
For the most part, these were stonemasons and carpenters, but also blacksmiths whose job was to look after the tools and iron parts used to reinforce buildings.
When these photos were released, many people took to social media to have their sau.
One person commented: "Never in a million years did the person who made this think thousands of people around the world would see it."
Carpenters from medieval times were highly skilled workers.
They cut timber to make fences, wooden beams, planks, windows and doors, and furniture.
Carpenters produced most items used during daily life.
To become a carpenter, a man had to usually join a guild as an apprentice and learn the craft, which included knowledge of math, woodworking, and tools.
The best carpenters were sometimes employed by Kings and nobles and retained as specialists.
Work reportedly began on All Saints Church roof around 1200AD, and it was completed around 1330.
The church's exterior, meanwhile, characterised by its Gothic style, features intricate details etched into the stone façade, including striking arches, ornate windows, and a towering spire that punctuates the skyline.
The colourful stained glass in the large east window depicts Hereford's patron saints, St Aethelbert and St Thomas de Cantelupe, whose shrine is in the cathedral 5 minutes walk away.
Many of the church windows are by the Arts and Crafts artist ME Aldrich Rope (1891-1988).
The interior of All Saints Church features beautifully carved wooden pews, a majestic organ, and vaulted ceilings that soar overhead, adorned with delicate tracery.
The church has served as a centre for religious gatherings, cultural events, and musical performances, fostering a sense of togetherness among Hereford's residents and beyond.
The church's involvement in various community initiatives and its commitment to preserving history make it a cherished institution in the city's fabric.
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