Saintly Image Restored to its Former Glory (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Saintly Image Restored to its Former Glory

AN HISTORIC image of St Christopher has been saved from decay by Baunton parishioners.

Over £8,000 was raised to conserve the 15th century feature in the 12th century church of St Mary Magadelene.

And although the depiction has now been preserved by specialists, a further £3,000 is needed for contingencies.

Andrew Hall, churchwarden and parochial church council treasurer, said conservationists had to inject adhesive behind the north wall painting to stop it flaking off.

He said: "The rector and the church wardens are the custodians of the church. We consider it a duty to preserve this historic treasure for present and future generations.

"At the moment, remedial work is being done to stop water coming in through the walls of the church."

Mr Hall said the large painting is the first image visitors see when they enter the church.

"The painting shows St Christopher carrying an infant across the river. "This was an extremely popular subject during the medieval period and was reproduced in many mediums.

"St Christopher is the saint of travellers, but people also believed that anyone who saw his image would not die a violent death that day," he added.

According to the legend, St Christopher was a man of gigantic build and strength known as Reprobus.

He wanted to serve Christ and searched long and hard for him.

Eventually Reprobus came across a hermit who instructed him in the Christian faith and converted him.

The hermit also told Reprobus the best way he could serve Christ was to use his strength to carry travellers across a nearby dangerous river, which he did.

One night there was a storm and a child appeared insisting that Reprobus carry him across the river.

But with each step Reprobus took his burden became heavier and he felt his strength would fail.

When at last he reached the other side safely, the child turned to Reprobus and told him he had carried all the sins of the world on his shoulders.

The child asked him to place his walking staff in the ground, which miraculously sprouted flowers and dates.

The child then revealed himself to be Christ.

Afterwards, Reprobus became Saint Christopher, left his service at the river, and preached his faith to anyone who came his way.

In the Baunton painting St Christopher carries his staff and wears a red cloak and green tunic.

The Child-Christ holds an orb and sits on Reprobus' shoulder, but he is partially obscured by the insertion of a Victorian wall built to support the roof.

There are other features in the painting, including a fisherman, believed to represent the devil, and a mermaid to symbolise pride and gladness.

The conservationists were from Paine and Stewart of London who have a contract with St Paul's Catherdral, and who recently completed work at Cirencester parish church.

Mr Hall said: "Baunton church itself was built in the 12th century for the Augustinian monks of Cirencester Abbey, who farmed land in Baunton." Donations can be sent to Andrew Hall at 3 The Paddocks, Baunton, GL7 7DL.

He can also be contacted on 01285 885562.

Alternatively, contact the church secretary Margaret Morgan on 01285 651918.

Cheques should be made payable to Baunton PCC Fabric Fund.

Gift Aid envelopes are also available from the church.