Lancaster - Three not-so-Wise Men!

Lancaster's Catholic Cathedral has a trio of surprising characters.

First up is Henry VIII.  You'd hardly expect the King who broke the ties with Rome to be featured in a Catholic stained glass window, but there he is.   The reason he's there is because of his connection with some of the Catholic martyrs who suffered under his leadership.  So, from a Catholic viewpoint, this is one monarch whose judgement would be called into question.

Second is a statue of Judas Iscariot - the traitor who betrayed the Saviour.  You can see him in the middle of this scene pointing to Jesus.

And finally, is King Herod - he who slaughtered the innocent children in the hopes that he would kill the baby Jesus.  He is the figure on the left with his foot on a baby.

This stained glass is placed at the entrance to the baptistry - a place for innocence and rebirth.   That is the only time I've personally seem him represented in a church before.

If you fancy a tour of the Cathedral or the religious heritage of Lancaster just let us know.  There is so much to see all around the city.   The city will feature in a series of tours for apps in 2015.
 View www.obelisktours.co.uk to find out more.