This beautiful piece of carving is some of the most ancient and beautiful in the area. The artist is unknown and unfortunately a lot of his work has eroded, much of it in the last 100 years since heating was installed in the church. We can just about see the bible scenes, which would surely have been referred to by early vicars of the church, to illustrate sermons.
The first scene is the Massacre of the Innocents where King Herod is shown on his throne holding a sceptre whilst one of his soldiers stands close by raising an object, presumably a baby about to be killed.
The next scene is the nativity. On the right is the Virgin Mary looking into the crib. Behind the crib are some animals and to the left of the crib is Joseph. The figures on the far left are not clear but are probably the Magi.
The Baptism is shown in the next scene. On the left holding a sword is a figure representing the First person of the Holy Trinity and on the right is Jesus holding a staff walking through the waters of the River Jordan. Although badly weathered the figure between these two men represents St John the Baptist.
The clearest scene is the Crucifixion. The haloed figure of Christ is shown, the nails in his hands and feet clearly depicted as are his wounds. On the left is the Virgin Mary, her right hand cupping her left elbow as she holds her head in anguish. On the right is the figure of St John holding a book.
Much of the column to the east has completely eroded but two scenes from the Old Testament can still be made out.
Facing the door to the south is a scene showing Daniel being thrown into the lions den. Daniel is shown falling head-first into the den – his arms outstretched. On either side of him are two lions (the right hand one clearer than the left) The lions (looking a bit like large dogs) are laying down facing away from the falling man.
The final (or should I say the first) scene shows Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Both are seen on the left holding their hands across their naked bodies. The saviour is on the right holding a staff and leading them away.
Old ‘Woodcut’ image depicting the sculptural art.
The Historied Capital
By John Foxton
St. Leonard’s Church on Seaford Down
Was rising heavenward stone by stone,
A Wandering mason, all alone,
Limped weary into Seaford town.
He came when vespers had been sung
His gavel, many a chisel queer,
A compass, square and other gear,
Within his pack on shoulder slung.
He to the Master Mason said
“I am, good sir, a fellow craft”.
The Master looked at him and laughed.
Then him into the nave he led.
“Look, fellow craft, on pillars splay.
See how my cunning masons do,
Fair foliage, leaf and flower, and you-
Can you do ought as well as they?”
“Nay Master” said the weary wright
Far other is my art I ween.
Yet can I carve full many a scene
Of heavenly lore for man’s delight”.
“Of Christ there dying on the cross,
And John and Mary sad beside,
The Baptist deep in Jordan’s tide,
And eke the tale of Eden’s loss”.
“St. Peter with his key so grand,
And Jesu blithely harrowing hell,
Of Stephen, Daniel, Paul as well,
They all lie under this rough hand.”
* * * * * * *
Enter St. Leonards by the south,
See the old pillar near the door,
Mark well the figures carved of yore,
So quaintly clad and so uncouth.
And yet their lesson still remains
As when that craftsman’s faith and love
Guided his hand when as he strove
To tell the truth that Christ still reigns.
The craftsman’s name is all unknown:
His piety and prowess live.
He gave all that he had to give,
And carved it in enduring stone.