Shobdon Arches

Shobdon Arches is an eyecatcher that was formerly part of a church, dating from the early 12th century and relocated in the mid-18th century. It is constructed from sandstone ashlar. The central feature is a former chancel arch, flanked by two arches on each side. The central arch is a distorted semi-circular shape, topped with an 18th-century pediment that has a quatrefoil and two 18th-century crocketted pinnacles. This arch consists of three orders, which are significantly eroded; the inner and outer orders display chevron ornamentation, while the middle order features a roll flanked by arrow-head ornament. The label above is decorated with an arcaded design.

Each respond has three engaged shafts. On the left (west) respond, the outer shaft is adorned with scrolls and birds, while the middle features pairs of human figures set in interlace, and the inner has scrolled enrichment. The outer shaft on the right-hand (east) respond has rings connected by grotesque heads enclosing doves, the middle shaft displays winged monsters amidst interlaced vine ornament, and the inner respond shaft is lost. The capitals of the outer shafts are preserved and include dragons within interlace.

The outer arch on the right-hand side of the centre is semi-circular and consists of three orders; the inner has roll moulding, while the outer has a scrolled bank that terminates in a grotesque head on the left. The middle order is carved with a series of animals and human figures, possibly representing the signs of the Zodiac. Each respond has two engaged shafts and an outer order with chevron enrichment, with capitals that include dragons and human figures. The left-hand outer arch is similar in design.

To the right of the centre arch, there is a tympanum depicting Christ in Majesty, and to the left of centre, another tympanum shows a very eroded Harrowing of Hell. Much of the detail on the arches has weathered over time. The large arch was originally the chancel arch, while the others, along with the separated tympana, served as doorways. The site is scheduled as an Ancient Monument.