University of St Andrews’ Dr Christine Rauer to hold talk at Southwell Minster about historic dragon carving

A literary historian is to explore the significance of a dragon carving — and what it says about a town’s history.

Southwell Minster’s tympanum, in the North Transept, depicts St Michael fighting the dragon and David rescuing the lamb.

It is believed to date back to the late 11th century, and a talk at the cathedral is set to explore the medieval significance of the carving.

Guest speaker, Dr Christine Rauer of the University of St Andrews, will delve into the interpretation of medieval ornamentation and symbolism and the various interpretations that dragon imagery held in the Middle Ages.

Dr Rauer, a specialist in early medieval literature, will consider what emotions the dragon might have been associated with, what groups of people, and what types of stories?

She first researched the tympanum 30 years ago, as part of a book publication on early medieval dragons.

The talk will take place on Monday, May 19, at 2pm, in the State Chamber — promising an afternoon of dragons, history, and heritage.

Tickets are available via Southwell Minster’s Eventbrite page.