Symbolism and Iconography on Church Monuments

The illustrations on monuments often give a fascinating insight both into the deceased and the fashions of the time. In this section we aim to give an idea of the meanings behind various symbols taking specific examples to be found in the Norwich churches.

Feature Symbolism Example Link
Angel's Winged Head Resurrection and the metamorphosis of the soul ANgels Head winged  John Harvey monument
Bat Wing On the monument to Augustine Curtis is the unusual symbolism of a skull with a batwing in its mouth. Bats have many symbolic meanings in this case it could be a symbol of rebirth after death (death symbolised by the skull) Bat wing Link to St Peter Mancroft
Beehive Although a beehive would normally symbolise industry - in this case it is found on the Nathaniel Roe's monument in St Peter Mancroft. Nathaniel was a goldsmith who associated his trade with golden honey made by bees ! beehive Link to St Peter Mancroft
Books Learned Person Books Edmund Hooke monument
Cherub - weeping Death from the lovely monument to Elizabeth Copping in St Stephen Church Cherub weeping  link to St Stephen
Cherub - crowning deceased Cherub awarding the crown of life cherub crowning Edmund Hooke monument
Crown The Crown of life - the reward for those who stayed faithful until death crown  John Harvey monument
Dove flying out of cage The release of the soul and the promise of regeneration Dove leaving cage john Suckling
Eagle Endurance and strength eagle  Jeremiah Ives monument
Father Time Shown with his scythe, is symbolic of gathering in those whose time has come. Father Time  Berney Hobart tomb
Fruit Refers to the classical motive of maturitas i.e. decomposition follows ripeness Fruit bowl Robert Suckling monument
Helmet Helmets are used in coats of arms to symbolise status. In this design it denotes a baronet or knight. helmet Harrison Yallop monument
Lamp The undying flame can symbolise immortality or be the light that leads to the knowledge of God
(William Clarke's monument in St George Tombland) 		Lamp Link St George Tombland
Laurel Fame or Victory. Often applied to a literary or artistic figure Laurel John Crome monument
Military Equipment A soldier military Joseph Paine monument
Obelisk Comes from the Egyptian sun worshipping symbol and means everlasting life John Tuthill St.George Colegate obelisk St George Colegate link
Olive Branch Peace, harmony and healing. If shown in a dove's beak it becomes a symbolism of healing Olive branch William Offley monuments
Pomegranate Because it has 613 seeds which correspond with the 613 mitzvot (commandments) Jewish tradition teaches that the pomegranate is a symbol of righteousness - symbolism which was carried into the Christian religious decoration. Alternatively it could represent eternal life because of its seeds which lead to fertility and abundance i.e rebirth pomegranate Francis Bacon monument
Ram A Ram generally represents Jesus who was sacrificed for mankind as was the Ram in place of Abrahams son Isaac. (From monument to Augustine Curtis in St. Peter Mancroft) ram BPeter mancroft
Sailing Ship Symbolises the human body as carrier of the soul Sailing ship John Suckling monument
Scales Represent weighin the soul on the day of judgement scales John Herring monument
Shell Normally represents Pilgirmmage- in particular it was the badge of those who had travelled to Santaigo de Compestella.

In this case the shell is on the monument to John Smith who owned 6 ships at Great Yarmouth - and the shell represents his links with the sea 		Shell BSt Peter Mancroft monument
Skeleton/bones Death skeleton and bones augustine briggs
Skull Death - when combined with other symbols meaning will change e.g. see bat wing Skull with hand resting on it Francis Wyndhom
Skull winged and crowned immortality skull winged and crowned 2  Joseph Paine monument
Snake - coiled Eternity snake coiled  Archibald Morrison monument
Spade

Symbolises the end of life’s work

 Imagery spade Berney Hobart Tomb
Torch Immortality    
Torch - upturned Life extinguished    
Urn - burning Immortality urn burning  John Harvey monument
Urn - Flaming New Life flaming urn  Augustine Briggs
Wreath Eternal life Laurel John Crome monument

 

All Saints Westlegate St. George Tombland St. Julian St. Michael at Plea
St. Andrew St. Giles St. Lawrence St. Peter Hungate
St. Augustine St. Gregory St. Margaret St. Peter Mancroft
St. Benedict St. Helen St. Martin at Oak St. Peter Parmentergate
St. Clement St. James Pockthorpe St. Martin at Palace Plain St. Saviour
St. Edmund Fishergate St. John de Sepulchre St. Mary Coslany St. Simon & St. Jude
St. Etheldreda St. John Maddermarket St. Mary the Less St. Stephen
St. George Colegate St. John Timberhill St. Miles Coslany St. Swithin