Worksop, Priory Church of St Mary & St Cuthbert, Great West Window

The Great West Window of Worksop Priory contained a window of 1868 probably by O'Connor. but this was replaced in 2003 by a window showing St Cuthbert, to whom, with the Blessed Virgin Mary, the church is dedicated. It was designed by Helen Whittaker and she explains the design as follows:

 

St. Cuthbert is set against white foliated scrollwork with a blue

background. The design elements of the scroll are based on the

Priory's south door ironwork and the leaves, fruit and flowers

from the Tickhill Psalter. The figure is framed by a geometric

band of lozenges in a mix of white tints, bordered in beaded

strap work. The central bosses of the diamonds are inspired by

the Priory's unique stone-carved rosettes, found in the

architecture of the nave aisle. The band is interrupted with

small chips of coloured glass, break-leads and painted details

influenced by Romanesque glass painting. The names of

benefactors are recorded within the diamond quarries of this

band. At the corners of the base and spring lines of the window

are four, white-bordered roundels set on the red ground, each

relating to the life of St. Cuthbert.

 

The top left roundel depicts the beginning of his commitment to God in

the year 651. Cuthbert had a vision, whilst at prayer, of a dazzling beam

of light across the night sky. Within the light a host of angels bore a

burning globe, the soul of St. Aidan, to heaven. In the top right roundel

can be seen his ending on the island of Farne. A monk announced

Cuthbert's death to the brethren of Lindisfarne by signalling with

lighted torches from a high rock. The bottom left roundel depicts two

Eider ducks known as ‘St. Cuthbert's birds’ on the Farne Islands. He

befriended and tamed them and promised that they should never be

disturbed. To the right can be seen the story of the Ravens, that brought St.

Cuthbert a piece of hog's lard. He used the incident as a parable to teach man

how to be obedient and humble.

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Uploaded on November 27, 2008
Taken on November 27, 2008