Back at the start of May we were down in Devon and took a chance to explore Exeter Cathedral, a place we'd wanted to see for quite some time. It was a fascinating place, with much more variety of curiosities and hidden details to discover than in most of Britain's cathedrals.
For this post, we'll go sparingly with the words and allow the pictures to tell the tale.
The 'Minstrels Gallery' second from left is a bagpiper. The cathedral didn't know what the sixth from left is playing but my guess, (from far beneath), is that it's a jew's harp.
One of very many canopied tombs with effigies.
Some roof bosses in the chapel of St John the Baptist. St John is in the centre, in long hair and rags.
St Laurence being roasted on the grid iron.
There just had to be a green man...
15th century painted panels with the Annunciation.
Another bagpiper, this time on a canopied tomb.
Memorial Brass
The tomb of Bishop Edmund Lacey, this was the closest Exeter got to a shrine for pilgrims. The cathedral was damaged in an air raid in 1942. When the damage was cleared up, several votive wax offerings from pilgrims were found. These are the only examples known in Britain.
20th century replicas of medieval tiles.
And some relaid medieval tiles.
Misericord of an elephant, one of the most realistic medieval depictions I've seen.
And another elephant, this one a Victorian bench end in the quire.
Medieval misericord with pipe and tabor player.
Curious detail of a cherub blowing bubbles above a tomb.
St Apollonia, patron saint of dentists, with her tooth pulling pliers.
Medieval wall painting of the Blessed Virgin alongside the entrance to the Lady Chapel.
The stone allows crisp, deep detailing. You wouldn't get this with Cheshire sandstone!
An anonymous cadaver.
A striking word at eye-level on a memorial plaque.
Shepherds at the nativity, one with a recorder.
The original clock movement for the cathedral.
Door to a tower with hole for cathedral cat. The cat was paid a penny a week for his duties in catching mice.
There was even more to see, so you'll have to make a trip to discover the rest for yourself.