Two rare medieval statues of St Peter (identified by a key) and St Paul (identified by a sword) have been erected inside the North Porch entrance to St Paul’s, Bedford. The statues have been mounted on elevated plinths at just the right height and lit by an imaginative partly glassed over roof and spot lighting. The dramatic effect for visitors is truly stunning.
These figures from the 1480’s have not been publicly visible in 50 years since being taken down from their position outside the South Porch where they had been deteriorating, owing to pollution and age. They have since been beautifully conserved by Simon Swann Associates Ltd, Beccles.
At a recent ceremony to re-dedicate this entrance porch, Bishop Richard Atkinson blessed the two statues with holy water and incense. He spoke about Peter being the rock of Christ who draws you into this awesome church to find a warm welcome, while Paul sends you out to change the world. Bishop Richard said, “Peter draws us in to be renewed – to ensure we are rooted securely in Christ. Paul calls us out to transform lives and society.”.
The people of Bedford can be justly proud of these two magnificent statues whose exquisite detailed carving can now be fully appreciated. There has been much rejoicing following the long struggle to get agreement from St Albans Diocese for the figures to be repositioned inside the church. The scheme was drawn up by church architect, Michael Dales, and funded by the Dorothy Hilda Porter Trust for the long term repair and maintenance of St Paul’s fabric.
