As the commander of the army of God, Michael leads the fight against evil, even in deepest Norfolk, England. For nearly half a millennium the prince of the heavenly hosts has stood guard over the medieval parish of St. Helen’s, Ranworth, ready to take on any enemy that may attempt to cross the threshold into the sacred space of the chancel. Wearing finely painted wings and trousers made of feathers, he steps confidently over the seven-headed Beast of the Apocalypse, his sword raised as he slashes away at its writhing heads. Two of them have already been lopped off, leaving bloody stumps. Saint George also stands on the defeated dragon, wearing a white surcoat and turban-topped helmet, his sword poised, ready to dispatch the Beast. Scenes like these I remember well as I walk beneath them every day on my way to work. 

I am a stonemason, specializing in the repair of England’s ancient churches.