![Doom, Broughton, Cambs [95KB]](brougcd.jpg)
It is not clear where the figure of the judging Christ was in this Doom, since no trace of a painted figure has ever been found. But part of the curve of the rainbow can still be seen above the apex of the chancel arch, and behind this is a circle, presumably representing the world, a detail normally found between Christ’s feet, as at West Somerton. In cases like this, lowering of the roof some time after the painting was made is usually responsible, but I can find no information to confirm or deny this at present. But I think a figure of Christ was here at some time, mainly because a small kneeling figure to the lower right of the circle seems to be St. John, in his usual intercessory position. The visible arc-segment may be part of the lower bow of a double rainbow, with the upper bow and Christ’s feet out of sight above the roofline now.
The painting has the exuberant wealth of detail common to many 15th century Dooms, and I think there is even a possibility that a traditional object of suspicion, the ale-wife who gives short measure, is included (on the damned side, of course), as she is at St. Thomas, Salisbury¹, one of the most detailed 15th century Dooms. At Broughton I suspect she may be the small, mainly black figure just below and to the right of the angel/devil with large bat-like wings and a sword or flesh-hook. Investigation continues.
The associated paintings of the Expulsion from Paradise and Adam Delving & Eve Spinning can just be glimpsed at the extreme right.
¹Which will appear on the site as soon as I have a sufficiently good photograph
Woman Donor, Doom at North Cove
Website for All Saints Church, Broughton
© Anne Marshall 2005