saxon chuch, carving in door frame, half man half lion?

[curlyfilm]

was walking round a local saxon church, where i noticed in the main door frame was a figure of what looked like a lion/horse body with a mans top half which was holding a bow and arrow, next too it was a griffen,
why was a mythical creature carved on the door of a church, seems strange too me anyone have any ideas

[SteveD]

Which church was it? It is likely that the local history society will have recorded details of such things.

[Cetti]

These figures appear very strange to us and wildly out of place on a Christian church, but there was a very long crossover period where pagans and christians still shared symbols. The saxon period is very early, pre-dating the Norman churches where even on their mighty cathedrals you will see gargoyles built in to ward off evil spirits.

This is only my thoughts curlyfilm, I'd love to see a picture of this church as it sounds fascinating. Perhaps someone will know the symbolism behind the Centaur(?) and the Griffen.