Swastikas of Bolton Priory

On the west frontage and some of the southern exterior wall of Bolton Priory (in the confusingly named location of Bolton Abbey in North Yorkshire) is a set of peculiar decorative stones. They do not seem to warrant mention on the official listing, but I think they are rather unusual. Maybe a foot square, they have upon them a carved, swastika-like image. Not closely resembling the angular shape we have learned to associate with German national socialism, the symbol still has a largely negative connotation to modern Westerners. Yet it is an ancient sign, and one with varying meanings across history and geography, well employed by various tribes and religions, including early Christianity. One theory is that it depicts 'the four winds', a concept known to scripture. For example:

Jeremiah 49:36: And upon Elam I will bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, and will scatter them towards all these winds, and there shall be no nation, whither the fugitives of Elam shall not come.

Daniel 7:2: Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea:

Daniel 8:8: Therefore the goat waxed exceeding great, and when he was at the strongest, his great horn was broken: and for it came up four that appeared toward the four winds of the heaven.

Zechariah 2:6: Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the North, saith the Lord: for I have scattered you into the four winds of the heaven, saith the Lord.

Matthew 24:31: And he shall send his Angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect, from the four winds, and from the one end of the heavens unto the other. (All Geneva Bible)

They generally allude to wickedness ahead of judgement, or judgement itself, with the exception of one from Ezekiel from which I preached on Tuesday evening. Christianity is not primarily about niceness, or community spirit or morality. It is about the coming judgement and how the gospel provides a gracious relief. From the four scorching, righteous winds of vengeful heaven there is no escape, except the Man upon the Cross, Heaven's own Prince.

Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind: prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God, Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live. Ezekiel 37:9