Between the trees and beyond the roofs is the steeple of St Mary's church. De-consecrated in 1958 parts of the building may date back to the 9th century. It has the tallest steeple in the city and was briefly the home of the Exchequer during the reign of Edward II when the government moved to York .
Several things about this memorial caught my eye. It is remarkably good condition to say it is 300 years old, but that is no doubt due to it's position inside St Mary's church. Then there is the word Presbyter, it is unusual to see this in York where I am not aware of a strong Presbyterian tradition. Next comes the text which is less interested in praising the deceased than in saving the soul of the reader, a very altruistic approach. Then finally there is that fabulous winged skull, usually only seen nowadays on bikers leather jackets, which symbolises the ascension into heaven.
Even 300 years after his death William Mason comes across as a man with a strong desire to teach people to live a god fearing life, and secure in the knowledge that he would be judged by how well he accomplished this task.
Taking part in Taphophile Tragics
This grotesque is one of a number of winged creatures emerging from the side of St Mary's church. De-consecrated in 1958 the nave of the church is now used as York Art Gallery's contemporary space usually housing a single large installation. Currently it is home to "The Temple of a Thousand Bells" by Laura Belem. This particular winged creature appears to have been muzzled, rather a relief given the size of those teeth!
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