The Wooden Knight

In Gloucester Cathedral, visitors come across a strange tomb.

Its figure is represented in a highly lively manner. The crossed legs are particularly unusual.

The original assumption of researchers, namely that this posture indicates the participation in a crusade or even a membership of the Order of the Templars, has been abandoned.

 

                               Photo: Wikipedia

 

The sculpture, made of bog oak, represents Robert II Curthose, the eldest son of William the Conqueror. He was Duke of Normandy, pawned the Duchy to take part in the First Crusade in 1096, and was in constant quarrel with his father and brothers.

Trying to retake the English throne from his younger brother Henry, he lost his last battle in 1106 and was imprisoned until his death in 1134.