The pedlar. Lambeth
This tiny window has a long history and relates to a medieval benefactor of the church, popularly believed to be the Pedlar of Swaffham ( see pictures of Swaffham church for the 'the other end' of the story). The pedlar and his dog are said to have been sheltered by the local priest at Lambeth and promised that, should he prosper, then he in turn would help the church. The pedlar did become rich and kept his word, so the original window was installed in 1500 and has been repaired and replaced ever since that time. The inscription on the latest version tells the story and reads ,' This window, by tradition, represents a benefactor, who, about the year 1500, left to this church a piece of land, later known as Pedlar's Acre ( on which the County Hall now stands) on condition that his image be placed in the church and repaired from time to time. Mended in 1608. Renewed 1703. Transferred to this Chapel 1884. Destroyed 1941. Renewed 1956.' Sadly, as the church has been deconsecrated and now houses the Garden Museum, it is hidden away in a small office.
The pedlar. Lambeth
This tiny window has a long history and relates to a medieval benefactor of the church, popularly believed to be the Pedlar of Swaffham ( see pictures of Swaffham church for the 'the other end' of the story). The pedlar and his dog are said to have been sheltered by the local priest at Lambeth and promised that, should he prosper, then he in turn would help the church. The pedlar did become rich and kept his word, so the original window was installed in 1500 and has been repaired and replaced ever since that time. The inscription on the latest version tells the story and reads ,' This window, by tradition, represents a benefactor, who, about the year 1500, left to this church a piece of land, later known as Pedlar's Acre ( on which the County Hall now stands) on condition that his image be placed in the church and repaired from time to time. Mended in 1608. Renewed 1703. Transferred to this Chapel 1884. Destroyed 1941. Renewed 1956.' Sadly, as the church has been deconsecrated and now houses the Garden Museum, it is hidden away in a small office.