High on the wall at the west end of the nave in Walsoken church is a vivid depiction of the "The Judgement Of Solomon" The macabre image shows the infant son held by its ankle as a large sword is prepared to cut it in two. This is watched over by two women on the opposite side, one of whom is on her knees.
In front of the painting is a carving of King Solomon sitting on his throne, which is brightly painted. This probably dates back to the seventeenth century.
The story tells of two women who shared a house and both had a young son. These two came to Solomon for help after one claimed that the other had taken her child after accidentally smothering her own while sleeping. Not sure what to do the King deliberated for a while then called for a sword to be brought with which it was planned he would cut the child in half given half to each mother. Upon hearing this the boy real mother cried out "Please, My Lord, give her the live child..... do not kill him". However the liar in her jealousy declared let it be cut in two. Solomon instantly presented the child to the real mother, observing her wish to save the child even it this meant loosing him.
The expression "splitting the baby" is still sometimes used in the legal profession when damage awards involve a slit down the middle.
This church is unfortunately usually kept locked. At the time of my visit I found the church open and was shown around by the Church Warden to whom I offer my thanks.
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