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I'm leaving, but where to?

Architectural fragments from the former rood screen of St. Paul's Cathedral

Johann Brabender

1536–1542

Sandstone

Domschatz Münster, Inv.-Nrn. DK.2021.81a,b, DK.2021.82–DK.2021.88, DK.2021.274a–i

In December 1870, after long discussions, the medieval rood screen in St. Paul's Cathedral was torn down. Behind this decision were not only practical reasons, but also the desire to return to the supposedly original structure.

The architectural components were carefully preserved. Among them are the fragments shown here, as well as the sculptural group of apostles and saints.

They are clearly visible in photographs and images dating from before the demolition. They were mounted on the side facing the nave.

It took less than 75 years for plans for reconstruction to be considered—albeit in a different location, yet still back within the cathedral. However, world events in the form of the Second World War appear to have thwarted this project.

Further information and photos of the former rood screen. (external link)

The so-called
The so-called "Apostles' Passage" (Apostelgang), F. Groen; from/cf. Cornelius Schimmel, *Westphalen's Denkmäler deutscher Baukunst* (Westphalen's Monuments of German Architecture), Münster, 1826; photo: Dr. Michael Reuter.