Malmesbury Abbey Roof Boss Images
A brief explanation
There are many ecclesiastical buildings with roof bosses depicting certain men and women. Malmesbury Abbey in its present form was started in the 12th century in the reign of Henry II and continued into the 15th century. The stone roof with its vaulting and bosses were added in the end of that period, together with the flying buttresses outside to support the great weight. There are no records since they were scattered during the Reformation. Wonderful manuscripts were thrown to the winds and as late as in the mid 19th century they were being used "as bungs for beer barrels", for wrapping up parcels, and for glove making. What a tragedy!
However learned historians have suggested the identities as shown.
 Edward II who reigned from 1284 to 1327. |
 Margaret, 2nd wife of Edward "The Confessor" who reigned from 1003 to 1066. |
 Phillipa, wife of Edward III who reigned from 1312 to 1377. |
 Mathilda, wife of William 1 who reigned from 1027 to 1087. She was called "the mirror of prudence and the pink of modesty" by William of Malmesbury. |
 Queen Isabella of France, wife of Edward II. |
 Jonah, from the story of "Jonah and the Whale" |
 A nobleman, friend of Mathilda, dealt with by William I, but after William's death she erected a Church in Avening in his memory |
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