GCSE Coursework: History Around Us - eRiding

History Around Us – The deserted medieval village of Wharram Percy4.3.3 A Window and GargoylesThis is a decorated Gothicwindow. This style ofwindow was popularbetween 1275 AD and1375 AD.These are gargoyles. Theyoften represented localpeople or famous people ofthe time e.g. kings or lords.Some historians have also suggested that gargoyles represent a link with the pagan traditions peoplehad before the Christian era as the head often became an object to be worshipped or feared. Many earlyreligions involved the production of the representations of heads to represent or ward off spirits.A popular gargoyle that can be found on many churches is the Green Man and this links back to anancient pagan tradition that was so powerful that it survived the growth in Christian belief. It is alwaysinteresting to look for carvings of the Green Man when you are investigating churches. More informationabout the Green Man and gargoyles can be found at:• http://www.mikeharding.co.uk/greenmanQuestions or prompts for further discussion• It would be interesting to try and identify who is being represented in the gargoyles this may tellyou something about the villages attitudes towards local lords and figures from the nationalgovernment e.g. the king and his ministers.10© eRiding 2004