Thetford Lion

This 12th century tympanum, originally from a doorway, was found in excavations at St Mary's Priory, Thetford, Norfolk. The original site of the priory was moved from the south side of the town to the north as there was more space. The new buildings, of which this was part, were moved into by the monks in 1114. The sculpture depicts a lion and is of classic Romanesque style with the animal's mane ended in little curls. Similar lions can be found on the Bayeux Tapestry.