"Rare Lily Crucifix"

St Nicholas, South Kilworth, Leicestershire

Although South Kilworth church is dedicated to St Nicholas the South aisle chapel is dedicated to the Our Lady the Virgin Mary. The Aisle isnt large and has exposed wooden beams forming the ceiling and a stone floor. The main feature of the Chapel is mounted on the East wall and is an ancient stone carved reredo which was moved, in 1994,  from the North Aisle where it was hidden behind the organ.

This was originally, part of the altar tomb of Richard Wythnale who died in 1439 and was the Rector of the church from 1410 - 1439, and features a rare iconic lily crucifix, of which there are only two other carved stone examples in the UK.

The stone is weathered but the figure of crucified Christ can still be clearly seen in the central panel with the archangel Gabriel to the left and the Virgin Mary on the right.

The lily is a flower that since medieval times has traditionally symbolised the purtiy associated with the annunciation. According to ancient legend the crucifixion of Jesus occured on the anniversary of the Annunciation of Our Lady on the 25th March exactly 9 months before Christmas Day. As such the lily crucifix with Christ affixed to a Lily represents the shared suffering of Mother and Son at the crucifixion.
  

On the Saturday I visited the church was open for visiting.