Arch
Category
Architecture / Features & Decoration
Date
1200 - 1250
Materials
Stone
Collection
Mottisfont, Hampshire
NT 1954680
Summary
Stone arch. Jambs of quarter cylinder between engaged circular shafts. Capitals decorated with scrolled foliage. 1200-1250.
Full description
This decorated arch, is another architectural reminder of Mottisfont Abbey's history as a site of Christian worship. When first built this arch would have originally provided access from the south transept of the church at Mottisfont Priory, to a chapel, just to the south of the chancel and high altar. This smaller chapel is likely to have been dedicated to a benefactor of the Priory or perhaps dedicated to a particular saint, and would have been used for private prayer or smaller acts of worship. The arch now provides access into Mottisfont Abbey's east porch and the service areas of the current house.
Provenance
Built as part of the Augustinian Priory at Mottisfont, and transferred to the National Trust with Mottisfont Abbey and Estate by Maud Russell under her Memorandum of Wishes, 1957.