What are gargoyles?
Gargoyle or Grotesque?
Gargoyles and grotesques are carved figures and faces usually found on churches and other old stone buildings.
The difference between a gargoyle and a grotesque is easy to remember. A gargoyle is a decorated waterspout that projects from a roof and carries rainwater away from the walls of a building, protecting it from damage, whilst a grotesque is a decorative carving that has no functional architectural purpose.
A gargoyle - has a physical purpose A grotesque - just decorative
Common Types of Gargoyle & Grotesque
There are many different types of gargoyle and grotesque from animal and human figures, some based on the faces of local people, to strange demons and nightmarish creatures. Below is a list of the most common types you can find in Gloucestershire.
Screamer - These have their hands clasped to their heads and their mouths wide open. They were probably meant to remind churchgoers of the torment that lay ahead for them if they failed to attend church regularly.
Tongue-poker - Many gargoyles are poking their tongues out and blowing a raspberry. This wasn't rude like today because in medieval times this gesture was used against traitors, heretics and blasphemers.
Musicians - Many medieval churchmen thought music was a self-indulgent luxury that could lure the weak-willed and ignorant into all kinds of sins and other trouble!
Dragons - In Christianity, the dragon or serpent is always depicted as evil and is used to represent the Devil. In other religions, dragons are more benevolent.
The Dragons of Gloucestershire
Angels - Angels are mystical beings that act as instruments of God; as messengers, punishers of wrongdoings and givers of moral strength. Sometimes individual angels can be identified by the thing that they are carrying (if anything).
Demonic creatures - Demons are by far the most common gargoyles. They represent sinners who fail to repent and have been consigned to Hell. Most are vaguely human but have a mix of animal features. Some demons are thought to be good spirits being used to frighten or scare off unwanted demons!
Lions - Lions are popular as gargoyles as the lion represented the majesty of Christ.
Humans - Human forms are fairly common, many being well carved.
Rude gargoyles - Why? We just don't know!
There are many other types of Gargoyles and Grotesques such as animals and face pullers!
Here are some examples below.
Chedworth
Cirencester
Badgeworth
Fretherne
Gloucester Cathedral
Slimbridge