St. Catherine - detail from the Funeral Pall of the Worshipfull
Company of Weavers
This great treasure form Worcester in the Late Middle Ages
is on display in the Great Hall of the
Commandery. From the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries
the Company used the pall to cover the coffin of deceased
members during the funeral service. It is sometimes referred
to as Prince Arthur's pall as it has been claimed that it
was used for a similar function at the funeral of Prince
Arthur at Worcester Cathedral in 1502.
The vestments were decorated with the figures of saints,
many of whom are identifiable from symbols, and a number
of prophets or donors.
The red velvet background has further symbols and floral
designs, and there are four emblems with instruments of
the clothiers which have been applied at strategic points
where the pall would have draped over a coffin.