Monument record 2014 - Two Carved Stone Heads

Two medieval carved sandstone heads built into part of the front garden wall of a Farm, Capenhurst. They probably derive from a restoration of the nearby church (1). However, the church was only built in the mid 19th century, when Capenhurst became a separate parish, having formerly been part of the parish of Shotwick. St Michael's Church, Shotwick was restored in 1871 but formerly had a single span timber roof with the 'ends of the brackets being ornamented with grotesque heads and leafage scrolls’. Possible the heads at Capenhurst came from Shotwick (2). Belong to a large group of stone heads from Britain which on stylistic grounds is termed 'Celtic' but which show continuity into the Post Medieval period.

<1> County Historic Environment Record, 1973-1985, Cheshire Archaeological Bulletin, 4/38 Davey P J 1976 (Journal/Periodical). SCH565.

<2> County Historic Environment Record, 1973-1985, Cheshire Archaeological Bulletin, 5/54 Whitfield L 1977 (Journal/Periodical). SCH565.