Old Sarum Stonework

This carved stone corbel comes from the Old Sarum Cathedral.

Bishop Roger's project to extend and enhance the original Norman cathedral began in about 1130. From the quality of and variety of sculpture that survives it was believed to be the most extravagant and ornamentally detailed building of its day.

This limestone corbel represents a bearded animal with cat's ears. It dates to between 1120 and 1140.

Old Sarum's leading sculptor has been named the Old Sarum Master. His carved characters often have bulbous eyes with large drilled pupils. This is a copy of his style, but by a slightly less skilled craftsman.