GREEN MEN IN THE SOUTH-WEST

The churches of the South-West are rich in Green Men– Devon has more than any other county. You’ll find them on roof bosses, carved columns and bench ends; also on pulpits, fonts, misericords, tombs, stained glass windows and decorated screens. They are remarkably individual: some scowl, some leer; others look malevolent, aggressive or despairing. Many are grotesque, disturbing or even frightening. By contrast, others appear thoughtful or humorous, a few serene.

Green Men both intrigue and perplex. Whst do they mean? Attempts to understand them have generated a considerable literature and several theories over the past ninety years as interest in the subject has grown.

This book discusses and summarises some of the theories. It is also lists the best places to find the Green Men.