Home Symbolism Locations Contact Us


As you walk around the Cathedral Church of St Marie, you will find lots of images taken from nature in the many sculptures, carvings and stained glass windows.

Some is there because it is part of a story - the birth, baptism, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, or the fate of a figure from the Old Testament of the Bible.

Other examples are plain to see, but a little puzzling. Why should a lamb carry a flag and why do exotic creatures like pelicans or lions feature in an English Church?

Yet more examples are hidden or easily overlooked at first; easy to dismiss as afterthoughts added because the artist was worried about leaving a blank space.

The reality is that all these images of flora and fauna have been carefully chosen. The hidden nature in St Marie's has hidden meanings, many of which would have been as plain as a pikestaff in medieval times, but are forgotten in the hurly burly of modern society.

Before we start on our tour, let's explore some of those hidden meanings.

AGNUS DEI - LAMB OF GOD

DOVES AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

PALM FRONDS AND CROWNS

PELICANS

POMEGRANATES

LIONS, BULLS AND EAGLES

RED ROSES

VINES, GRAPES, OAKS AND ACORNS

WHEAT

WHITE ROSES AND LILIES

Symbolism in St Marie’s