Original stone finish (79)

This wonderful piece of rather naiive carving shows the Devil grinning triumphantly as he chews the hapless Judas, whose lower torso and legs are still visible. The style of carving is quite simple, even crude in places, but very effective and results in an engagingly humourous roof boss. The original was part of Southwark Cathedral's nave roof, which was rebuilt in about 1820. Fortunately this boss, along with several others, was saved and is now on display in the Cathdral at the back of the nave.

There is also a suggestion that the carving shows, not the Devil, but an alarming mythological figure called Bicorn or Bigorne. This beast is supposed to devour all men under "petticoat government" and is described as very fat and "well liking"! There was another beast called Chichevache, which fed on obedient wives, but the famished beast finding itself short of food eventually starved to death. One is left with a rather frightening impression of everyday life of the time!

Please scroll down to see all finishes available for this piece.

Red Antique finish (79R)

Bronze finish (79A)