As ecclesiastical carvings go this one definitely falls in the rude category. It is one of four known Shropshire Sheelagh Na Gigs, crudely worked images of women (emphasis on reproductive parts and/or breasts) found in parish church walls. According to The Sheelagh na Gig Project there are a dozen more examples known in Britain, but they are also found in early mediaeval churches across Europe.
This particular one is over the door of Church Stretton’s parish church (Church Stretton being Wenlock’s neighbouring town across the Edge). The church is mostly 14th century, but with earlier Norman parts, and it seems likely that this Sheelagh has been retained from the first building phase.
As you can see, she is not easily spotted. But there she is above the side door, further implying that when the Norman church was being rebuilt, she was thought important enough to re-instate. It’s worth remembering, too, that this was in times when the church ruled over every aspect of people’s lives; adherence and attendance were not optional.
So what is meant by these crude effigies?
There have been all sorts of explanations: that they’re hang-overs from pre-Christian mother-goddess worship; are warnings against immorality; meant to confer success in childbirth; are simply part and parcel of the Norman tendency to add grotesque figures to their churches.
In other words, we do not know. It is yet another example of how the ancestors’ thought processes (much like our own) are not easily fathomed. But if you want to see more examples The Sheelagh na Gig Project is well worth a visit.
Tish Farrell 
hmmm…very curious indeed
absolutely fascinating. There’s a different kind of project in Winchester looking at medieval graffiti, and again so much can only be guessed at
It’s great that people are recording these kinds of things even if we don’t understand them.
so agree 🙂
They certainly do emphasize the reproductive parts.
Indeed!
Brilliant. I think the stonemasons in those days got away with quite a lot while having fun in the process.
Certainly appears so!
Certainly looks that way, Margaret.
Looking at that link it’s strange all the eyes are the same, possibly carved by the same mason?
That’s an intriguing notion, Brian.
How fascinating!
How did I miss this? I need to have another look at my Church Stretton photos.
Its location is not terribly obvious unless you know where to look.
Wonderful post
I’m smilin’ over here. I’m smilin’.
Brilliant. And it’s registered all the way over here 🙂
Very interesting/entertaining, Tish – I was pleased to see Hexham Abbey featured on the Sheela Na Gig Project.
One wonders how many Sheelas got disposed of due to causing affront in later eras.
This is fascinating.
Or a way to protest the strictures of the church
That’s an interesting thought, Mak. But I’d be surprised. People lived in fear of their souls going to hell. And the local church was the authority. It also exacted regular tithes in terms of people’s produce.
The more reason to protest anonymously. But you make a good point.