The Mystery Goat Of Thames Ditton

[poliphilo]

St Nicholas church in Thames Ditton has a very spendid 12th century font. On the south facing side is this carving.



My first impression was that it's a rabbit or hare- possibly the folklorical hare in the moon, but wikipedia says it's a goat- and I suppose it is. But why a goat? And why is it upside down?

Here's what the church looks like from the outside. I love the weather-boarding on the tower.



And here's a view of the Thames, taken from the steps leading up to the private bridge that crosses to the private island. Yes, private. The bridge has a gate with a key pad on it.

Comments

[cmcmck.livejournal.com]

Probably the astrological symbol.

you often find them in churches although you weren't supposed to!

[heleninwales.livejournal.com]

A quick Google indicates that St Nicholas is associated with a Yule goat in Scandinavia and in other parts of Europe with a goat like devilish creature called Krampus. I have no idea whether this accounts for the goat on the font though.

Perhaps it's upside down to indicate that Christian baptism will overturn paganism? But this is a guess and tenuous at best.

[veronica-milvus.livejournal.com]

I'm seeing a deer's head, the right way up!

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

But why just the one symbol?

And why upside down?

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Thank you for that.

I hadn't thought to connect the goat to St Nick.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I see what you mean- but there are things that don't fit- like the projections on the "deer's" nose.

[cmcmck.livejournal.com]

Who knows?

Our ancestors enjoy keeping us guessing! :o)