See important guidance on the use of this record.

If you have any comments or new information about this record, please email us.

Summary

Small stone cowled woman's head found buried on farm in 1953. In the keeping of Greenawell Farm, by 1981 its location was unknown. Possibly ecclesiastical in origin (perhaps early 15th century. Similar grotesques can be seen on the tower of Clyst St. George church, which is dated at 1402.

Location

Protected Status: none recorded

Other References/Statuses

• National Monuments Record: SX78NW26
• National Record of the Historic Environment: 445529
• Old DCC SMR Ref: SX78NW/44
• Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division: SX78NW26

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• EFFIGY (Constructed, XIII to Late Medieval - 1201 AD? (Between) to 1539 AD (Between))
• FINDSPOT (Constructed, Mid 20th Century - 1953 AD (Between) to 1953 AD (Between))

Full description

Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division, 1953/1982, SX78NW26 (Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Card). SDV307047.

A stone head and shoulders effigy about 9" (230mm) high on a 6" by 4" (150mm by 100mm) base. Dug up on Greenawell Farm. Taken up from 1 foot below ground while planting (Letter, 30/05/1953).
(06/06/1953) SX 7328 8580 The effigy is thought to be a stone boss from the inside of a Medieval church, probably 13/14th century. The dimensional description is correct, the figure represents a woman's head over which is a cowl, such as nuns wear. It is in good condition only weathered across the nose and is kept at Greenawell Farm by owner. Photograph taken 19/06/1953; small photocopy included.
(21/10/1953) This effigy does not have the appearance of a Medieval internal church boss based on comparable examples available.
If ecclesiastical at all in origin, it is possibly an external tower decoration of the early 15th century. Similar grotesques can be seen on the tower of Clyst St. George church, which is dated at 1402.
It is impossible for the investigators to either to date or classify this particular find.
(10/03/1982) Greenawell Farm has new owners who know nothing about the effigy or where it could have been taken to.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments: none recorded

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events: none recorded

Search results generated by the HBSMR Gateway from exeGesIS SDM Ltd.