Saxon 'Harrowing of Hell' Panel

3D Model

Bristol Cathedral.

At the entrance to the South Choir Aisle can be found a stone panel depicting the apocryphal story of the Harrowing of Hell.

Following the Reform Bill riots of 1831, much damage occurred to the Chapter House, and the following year it was decided to lower the floor level. During this work twelve coffin lids were discovered, among them this limestone panel, of unknown late Saxon origin. Carved in Romanesque style, it’s condition suggests that it was perhaps unfinished. It probably dates to the C11th.

The scene depicts a bearded Christ, with moustache, carrying a cross in his left hand, blessing Adam and Eve with his right. They are stretching up their hands as if to touch Christ. They in turn stand upon the head of a monster, it’s mouth gaping, representing the mouth of hell. In the bottom left, a figure, legs splayed and manacled, is pushed down by Christ’s left foot, representing the defeat of the devil.

Captured 10-02-2016 at 2:30pm and 12-02-2016 2:30pm