Clarendon Head

Medieval, c 1246-56

This most well-known sculpture in Chilmark stone, which was once coloured, comes from the King's apartments at Clarendon Palace. It may have been a label stop of a hood mould from a doorway or window - suggesting it was one of pair. It has been suggested the face represents 'the dead', and so may have been balanced by a second head representing 'the quick'. Another interpretation is that the head depicts 'anquish' suggesting its pair may have been 'joy'.

 

 

 

 

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Social History

Of particular significance in the collection are the relics of the ancient guilds of Salisbury.