An angel in the upper
tracery playing a musical instrument |
A striking feature of the present-day interior
of St Mary’s is the amount of natural light in the building. This is
because it was entirely re-glazed in 1951 with antique glass in very
light tints, the only exception to this being the east window.
The east window was re-glazed in 1951 at a
cost of £1050 and was paid for by Sir Richard and Lady Wells of
Felmersham Grange. It was given in memory of their three sons, who
gave their lives in the
Second World War,
and to their nurse.
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The artist was
Francis Spear and the design consists of a central figure of the
risen Christ, to His right stands St Mary and St Christopher and to
the left St Thomas and St James. These are shown as the patron and
name saints of the three sons and their nurse.
Each son was a
member of one of the three services so the artist has included the
patron saint of each service in the heraldry below. The traceries
are filled with the choir and orchestra of angels praising God with
music.
Francis Spear
appears to have worked from the 1930s to the 1960s He was a teacher
at Central St. Martins from the 1930s-50s succeeding Karl Parsons.
His work includes: Glasgow Cathedral - east window (1951); St
Martin's South Cliff, Scarborough - west window; St. James' Church,
Westgate & Garlinge - east window (1960) and St
Bartholomew's Church, Sydenham - east window (1953).
Elements of the east window are shown
below.
The East Window >>>
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From Left to Right: St
Christopher, St Mary, the Risen Christ, St Thomas and St James |
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Given
to the Glory of God and in
loving memory of three sons & their nurse
by Sir Richard and Lady Wells
QUI PATITUR VINCIT
This window replaces one in memory of
Thomas Abbot Green,1855
which was damaged in the War of 1939-45
Upper Tracery:
Part of the "Orchestra of Angels"
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S. Nicholas Patron of
Sailors
In loving memory of
Lieut - Commander
Christopher Hayward Wells R.N.
HMS Glorious 8 June 1940
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S Michael Patron of
Airmen
In loving memory of
Sqdn. Ldr. James Michael Well R.A.F.
Holland, 10 May 1940
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In
loving memory of
Beatrice Mary Chapman
16 June 1944.
Beloved friend and nurse for over 30 years |
S. George Patron of
Soldiers
In loving memory of
Major Thomas Caper Wells
Beds & Herts Regiment Singapore
- 13 Feb 1942 |
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