The Monumental Inscriptions in the Parish Church of S. Michael, Coventry/Stained Glass Windows
†
Memorials of the Dead
IN S. MICHAEL'S CHURCH,
COVENTRY.
STAINED GLASS WINDOWS.
THE five windows forming an apse in the East are large and of noble proportions; they have three tiers of four compartments each, the rich tracery occupying more than one third of the whole area. North and South windows. No. I, and V.,[1] are filled with the old stained glass taken from the others (the two lower tiers of which were formerly blocked up with brick) and from some of the clerestory windows, but as they are not monumental windows. I refrain from further description of them.
They are not the less worthy of careful inspection, as there will be found many fragments of armorial shields, merchant marks, inscriptions and portions of figures which indicate the scriptural character of the whole design.
II. (North East.)
- Our Lord in Majesty, the Four Evangelists, Cherubin, Seraphin, and angels.
- The Annunciation.—S. Luke, 1st chap., v. 26 to 38.
- The Nativity.—S. Luke, and chap., v. 7 to 14.
- The Presentation in the Temple, S. Luke, 2nd chap. v. 22.
- The Baptism of our Lord by John.—S. Matt., 3rd chap., v. 16 and 17.
- The Miracle in Cana of Galilee.vS. John, and chap., v. 7 to 10.
- Choosing the Twelve.—S. Mark, 3rd chap., V. 13 and 14
- Stilling the Tempest.—S. Mark, 4th chap., V. 39.
- Raising Jairus' Daughter.—S. Mark, 5th chap., V. 41 and 42.
- Feeding the Multitude.—S. Matt. 14th chap., v. 19 and 20.
- The Good Samaritan.—S. Luke, both chap., v. 33 and 34.
- Raising of Lazarus.—S. John, xi. chap., v. 43 and 44.
- The Prodigal Son.—S. Luke, 15th chap., v. 21.
III. (East.)
- Angel bearing the Symbol of the Trinity, Angels, Archangels, Cherubin, and Seraphin.
- Entry into Jerusalem.—S. Matt., 21st chap., v. 6 to II.
Our Lord with Simon the Leper in Bethany.-S. Mark, 14th chap. v. 3.
- Our Lord Washing the Disciples' Feet.—S. John, 13th chap., V. 4 and 5.
- Institution of the Lord's Supper.—S. Luke, 22nd chap., v. 19 and 20.
- The Agony in the Garden.—S. Luke, 22nd chap., V. 41 to 44.
- The Betrayal.—S. Luke, 22nd chap., v. 47 and 48.
- The Mocking.—S. Mark, 15th chap., v. 17, 18, 19.
- Ecce Homo.—S. John, 19th chap., v. 5 and 6.
- Our Lord on His way to Calvary.—S. John, 19th chap. v. 17.
- The Crucifixion.—S. John, 19th chap., v. 18.
- The Descent from the Cross.—S. John, 19th chap., V. 38.
- The Entombment.—S. John, 19th chap., v. 39 and 40.
IV. (South East.)
Angels, Cherubin and Seraphin, and four great Doctors of the Church—Ambrose, Jerome, Augustine, and Gregory.
Watching at the Tomb.—S. Matt., 27th chap., v. 65 and 66.
Women at the Sepulchre.—S. Luke 23rd chap., v. 55.
The Resurrection—S. Luke, 24th chap., v. 6.
Our Lord Appearing to Mary.—S. John, 2oth chap., v. 16.
Our Lord Appearing to Simon.—S. Luke, 24th chap., v. 34.
Journey to Emmaus.—S. Luke, 24th chap., v. 13 to 15.
Our Lord Appearing to the Disciples.—S. John, 2oth chap., v 19.
Our Lord Appearing to S. Thomas and the Disciples.—S. John, 20th, chap., v. 27.
Our Lord at the Sea of Tiberias.—S. John, 21st chap., v. 6.
Our Lord Appearing to S. Peter and other Disciples.—S. John, 21st chap., v. 2.
Our Lord Appearing to the Sons of Zebedee.—S. John, 21st chap. v. 2.
The Ascension.—S. Luke, 24th chap., v. 51.
On the wall close to the Vestry door is a brass having the following inscription:—
"The three easternmost windows of this apse have been filled with stained glass to the glory of Almighty God, and in memory of Adelaide, Queen Dowager, widow of his Majesty, King William IV. The centre window was the gift of the Right Honourable E Ellice, M.P., as a memorial of his long connection with the City of Coventry as one of its representatives in Parliament."
The cost of 2, 3, and 4, was raised by public subscription, and were erected in 1853. Messrs. O’Conner were the artistes.
The Right Honourable Edward Ellice represented the City of Coventry, in twelve Parliaments, from the year 1818 to the date of his death, September 17, 1863. In 1826 he was defeated by the Conservatives. Under Lord Grey's administration, 1833, he was made Secretary at War. A life-size portrait of him is to be seen at the School of Art.
VI.
The window over the Vestry door at the east end of the Mercers' Chapel has seven compartments; in each two figures. The centre, Almighty God and S. Michael; on the one hand, SS. John, Philip, James the less, Simon, Matthias, and Thaddeus; on the other hand, SS. Peter, Andrew, James the greater, Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, the tracery being filled with sacred emblems. Below the window is a brass, 7 feet by 7 inches, with this inscription:
"To the honour and glory of Almighty God and to the memory of Major-General Adams, C.B., of Anstey Hall, who died at Scutari, the 19th of December, 1854, aged 49, of wounds received at the battle of Inkerman. He commanded the 18th Royal Irish during the war in China, in 1840, and the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, at Alma, and the siege of Sebastopol. This window is erected by the inhabitants of this City and neighbourhood."
Artists: Heaton & Butler.
He was the Son of H. Cadwallader Adams, first Mayor of the reformed Corporation, 1835; for his gallantry he was Knighted, but the patent of his creation not arriving in the Crimea until after his death, Lady Adams was permitted the title during her life.
VII. (North Side of Mercers' Chapel.)
In the upper quatrefoil is the pelican. The subject is the Birth, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of our Lord. The figures in the first compartment are the Holy Child Jesus, S. Joseph, and the Virgin Mother, with angels and doves. Inscription—
"Unto us a child is born."
and Compartment: Taking the Body from the Cross-
"Then they took the body of Jesus."
3rd Compartment: Our Saviour rising from the tomb, and soldiers-
"I am the resurrection and the life."
4th Compartment: The Ascension, with Apostles-
"I go to prepare a place for you."
The four panels at the foot of the figures contain the Ark on the Waters, and Rising Sun; Palm Branches and Crown; the Eagle or Phoenix rising from its own ashes; and Dove upon the waters. Inscription at foot-.
"To the glory of God, and in memory of William Lowe, of this parish, who entered into rest, March 6, 1868. This window is erected by his widow, Ellen Ralphs Lowe."
VIII.
In the tracery are two quatrefoils-Angels with lamps burning; in the upper one, the Lamb and Flag. The subjects of this window are from the Parables of our Lord. In the first compartment: The Parable of the Talents; the Master and his good Servants; and the One with the One Talent only. Inscription—
"Well done good and faithful Servant."
2nd Compartment: The Good Samaritan; the Wounded Man, with Priest and Levite passed on—
"When He said he that had compassion on him."
3rd Compartment: The Publican and Pharisee in the Temple—
"This man went down to his house justified rather than the other."
4th Compartment: The Pearl of Great Price; the seller holding the pearl between his fingers, and the purchaser with a bag of money; two others looking on-
"When he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it."
At the foot of 1, 2, and 3 compartments, the panels are coloured geometrical forms. The fourth contains the arms of Thomas Sharp. (plate 1.) On a shield azure, within a bordure or, charged with eight roundlets a pheon argent. Crest, an Eagle's head erased, ducally gorged, or, holding in the mouth a pheon arg. Motto "Vtar nec metvam."
"To the glory of God, and in memory of Thomas Sharp, who entered into rest, 12th August, 1841, aged 71 years."
Artists: Heaton and Butler. Erected at the cost of the late John Wyley, of this City.
This industrious antiquary, born Nov. 7,1770, was educated at the Free Grammar School; at the death of his father, 1784, he continued the business of a hatter at the house in Smithford Street, known as Peeping Tom house (now at the corner of Hertford Street and part of the King's Head Hotel), he was Churchwarden from 1810 to 1817. He died at Leamington, and was buried in the new burial ground of S. Michael's Church, Coventry—his monument there bears the following inscription, written by his friend Mr. Geo. Eld.
"Underneath rest the remains of | Thomas Sharp | in grateful record for the memory of whom | this tomb is erected by his family. | He was distinguished for his literary attainments, | and particularly for the zeal and ability | with which he devoted himself | to elucidate the antiquities of this (his native) city | Beloved by his friends, and respected by his fellow citizens, | he departed this life in his 71st year | 12th August, 1841.
(The Arms in the window are wrongly tinctured.)
IX.
In the upper quatrefoil is the Paschal Lamb. The subject is carried through the four compartments of this window, viz. "The Parable of the Ten Virgins," there are the figures of the five wise and five foolish Virgins, the form of the eleventh figure "is like unto the Son of God.”
The inscription at base runs—
"Then shall the Kingdom of heaven—be likened unto ten virgins who took their lamps-and went with them to meet the Bridegroom—and five of them were wise and five were foolish."
It was designed and executed by Messrs. Hardman, of Birmingham, May, 1869.
Placed on the wall below the window is a brass tablet
"To the Glory of God this window was erected in this Church, by Mary, Elizabeth, and Sarah Lea of this parish. A.D. MDCCCLXXI."
Mary, Elizabeth and Sarah Lea were sisters of H. Lea, Esqre., whose death is recorded by the next window.
Miss Sarah Lea died 17th Feb., 1873, Miss Mary, 17th Aug., 1876, and Miss Elizabeth, 30th July, 1882; they were buried in the family vault, situated in the pathway through the churchyard, near to the North door of the Church.
X.
In the upper space in the tracery is an Angel bearing a scroll-
"Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness."
In the four compartments are SS. Stephen, Mark, Luke and Paul, at the foot of each respectively are square panels, the stoning of S. Stephen-
"Lord lay not this sin to their charge."
S. Mark preaching—
"At Salamis they preached the word of God."
S. Luke with other disciples-
"These are the servants of the most high God."
S. Paul preaching-
"Is not this he that destroyed them."
On a brass beneath-
"This window was erected by the Churchwardens and vestrymen of this parish to the memory of the late H. Lea esqre who bequeathed 1,000 pounds to the church for ever."
The window was executed by J. Bell, Bristol, 1859.
H. Lea, Esqre., was a member of the firm of Troughton and Lea, practising as solicitors in this city. He died Dec. 31, 1854, aged 69, as recorded on a mural tablet in the Lady Chapel of this Church; he was buried in the family vault in the churchyard near to the North door.
XI.
In the tracery are the heads of the three Mary's, the four compartments contain figures as explained by the inscriptions at the foot of each-viz.
"I was hungry and ye gave me bread."
"I was naked and ye clothed me."
"I was a stranger and ye took me in."
"I was sick and ye visited me."
beneath the panel is the inscription—
"Erected 1862 by Thomas Soden, Mayor,—and his six children to the honour and glory—of Almighty God and in memory of—Elizabeth a beloved wife and mother died 1861.
This window was designed by Jas. Murray, of Coventry, and executed by Heaton and Butler, of London.
The late Thomas Soden was an Alderman of this City, and Mayor in the years 1861 and 1862, he was a staunch Churchman and Conservative. He died Feb. 8, 1863, and was buried in the Cemetery. S. Thomas' Chapel.
XII.—(EAST.)
Two uppermost panels in the tracery, “The raising of Lazarus from the tomb, and the Evangelists in the four lower ones. The four larger divisions of the window each contain two subjects, viz., the type and antitype. 1st, Moses with the tables of stone-
"These are the words which the Lord hath commanded that ye should observe them.'
Virgin and Child with Joseph and adoring angels kneeling—
"For the law was given by Moses but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."
2nd, Moses striking the rock-
"And thou shalt strike the rock and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink."
Christ at the well with the Samaritan woman-
"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst."
3rd, Passage of the Red Sea-
"Our fathers were under a cloud and all passed through the sea and were all baptised unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea."
Baptism of our Lord-
"For as many of you as have been baptised into Christ have put on Christ."
4th, Gathering of the Manna-
"Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness and are dead."
Christ sitting at supper with two of the disciples-
"I am the true bread which came down from heaven."
In this window, the work of Heaton & Butler, of London, there are not less than 54 heads.
Beneath on a brass is this inscription-
This window was erected towards the end of 1860. To the glory of God and in memory of William Spooner A.M. late Archdeacon of Coventry this memorial is raised by the Vicar, and Churchwardens of this parish, and private friends to perpetuate the memory of his many public and private virtues and to record the zeal he displayed in the restoration of this Church. He entered into eternal rest 1857."
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XIII.
Only the centre panel of this window has stained glass, the subject of which is the three Maries at the Tomb. Upon the panel at the foot is written-
"To the glory of God and in loving memory of John Royle of this city who departed this life Nov. 9 1866 aged 60 years this window was erected by his widow Mary Ann Royle. I am the resurrection and the life saith the Lord."
The design and execution is by Hardman, Birmingham.
Mr. Royle practised as a solicitor in this City for many years; he left a sum of money to the church, which is recorded on the basement of the handsome brass lectern.
XIV. & XV. (Blank)
(A window in the Capper's room, over the South porch, in which are the arms of the Company, (plate I) is not commemorative.)
XVI. XVII. XVIII.
(Dyer's or Mourner's Chapel.)
In windows 16 and 17 (South side) are the figures of SS. Jerome, Ambrose, Augustine, Gregory, Alban, Lawrence, Margaret, and Catherine; in 18 (West) the four baptisms by SS. John, Philip, Peter and Paul. The inscription commences at the third panel of 16—
"In thankfulness to God | and in remembrance of | Richard Caldicott J.P. | of this City and of Hannah his wife, their | grateful children have | erected these windows | of this baptistery | 1871."
The glass is by Messrs. Heaton and Butler.
Richard Caldicott was an Alderman and Magistrate of the City, and also Mayor in 1847. Mrs. Caldicott died April 17, 1864, aged 69, and he died Feb. 25, 1871, aged 74; both were buried in the Coventry Cemetery.
XIX.
Over the South Western door is a small window of twelve compartments, containing the figures of our Saviour, the blessed Virgin, and four Evangelists: the lower six are SS. Anna, Peter, Joseph, John Baptist, Paul, and Mary Magdalene. The label reads—
"In memory of Thomas Frederick Banbury, | of Elizabeth Banbury his mother, and | Charlotte Sarah his wife, also of | Caroline Haslock his sister in law 1874."
Alderman Banbury died Nov. 9, 1862, aged 77, and Mr. Banbury, Dec. 17, 1879, aged 84, and were buried in the Cemetery; he was an Alderman and Magistrate of the City, and held the office of Mayor three times, in 1836, 1845, and 1846. He was Churchwarden in 1828. 4th.
XX. (West Window of South Aisle.)
In the upper compartments are the figures of the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. The four lower compartments of the window have for their subjects:—
1st. The Good Samaritan:
"Whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again I will repay thee."
2nd. The Parable of the Vineyard:
"He saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?"
3rd. The Good Steward :
"His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
Parable of the Talents:
"Unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one."
The inscription at the foot of the window is as follows:-
"To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Eusebius Holmes and Mary Crutchlow, this window was placed in this church by their only children, Mary Ellen Edwards and Elizabeth Holmes Crutchlow, MDCCCLXXIV. In Pace et in Christo."
This window is by Messrs. Hardman, Birmingham, and was erected February, 1875.
Mr. Crutchlow died Oct. 10, 1873, Mrs. Crutchlow, March 17, 1860, and were buried in the Cemetery.
Mr. Crutchlow was a member of the City Council for some years, and Churchwarden 1857-8-9.
XXI.
Over western door—coloured Geometric glass.
XXII.
The five compartments are occupied by subjects from the Old and New Testaments, illustrative of the women of the Bible, viz., the death of Abraham's wife, Sarah, Elkanah visiting Samuel in the Temple, Naomi and Ruth, Elizabeth and S. John Baptist, and the presentation of Christ in the Temple by His mother. The tracery is filled with conventual foliage and figures of the prophets Hosea, Isaiah, Daniel, Malachi, Amos, Ezekiel, Micah, Jeremiah, Habakkuk, Obadiah, surmounted by the head of our Saviour. On a brass beneath is recorded—
"This window is erected to the glory of God, and in memory of the late Mrs. Ann Tatlock of this city who died on the 19th of May 1876 in the hundredth year of her age."
The window is the work of Messrs. Hardman, of Birmingham, and was erected October, 1877.
She was buried in the church near to the South Chancel door, as recorded on a flat stone. At the present this is the last interment in the church.
XXIII. XXIV. XXV. XXVI.
Two small windows over the North porch, the subject taken from the “Te Deum," is four angels bearing scrolls-
"We praise Thee, O God,
We acknowledge Thee to be the Lord.
All the earth doth worship Thee,
The Father everlasting."
On a marble tablet between the windows is inscribed-
"To the honour and glory of Almighty God and in memory of Elizabeth wife of Henry Masters of this City who died Nov. 22 1859."
Mr. Henry Masters, a draper of this City, was Churchwarden 1860
XXVII. XXVIII.
XXIX.
(East End of Girdlers' Chapel.)
A window of five compartments, the three centre ones the Resurrection of Christ, the two outer ones the unbelief of S. Thomas, and the Virgin Mary at the tomb, in the tracery are Apostles and Martyrs with sacred monogram.
Mr. John Ward contributed largely to the erection of this window.
Mr. Ward was churchwarden of the parish during the years 1855 to 1866, a period of eleven years, during which much important and lasting work was done to the Church.
XXX.
S. Lawrence Chapel.
The fourteen compartments of this window represent the Fall of Man, from his expulsion from the Garden of Eden to the curse of Canaan. Beneath each subject is a text. The tracery has Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. At the foot of the window the label reads—
"Erected to the honour and glory of | Almighty God and in memory of | William Wilmot of this City died | January 8 1860 aged 51."
W. Wilmot, esqre, was the last member of an old Coventry family, he practised as a Solicitor, and was Mayor 1858. Clerk to the County Magistrates for many years, and agent to the Marquis of Hertford. He was buried in Allesley Churchyard.
XXXI.
In fourteen compartments are represented incidents from the lives of the Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, from the separation of Abraham from Lot to Jacob's sleep at Bethel, there are texts at the foot of each panel. In the tracery there is the tower of Babel, the destroying angel, and diffusion of tongues. The label at the foot of window has-
"Erected to the honour and glory of | Almighty God and in memory of | Charles Dresser of this city, a | zealous church warden who | was mainly instrumental in | establishing a third service in this church. Died April 30 1862 aged 45."
On a brass plate beneath the window is engraved—
"The above window was placed here | to the memory of Charles Dresser | who died April 30 1862 Aged 45."
Mr. Charles Dresser was a silk merchant, and Mayor of the City, 1857, he was also Churchwarden 1851-2.
XXXII.
Chapel of Our Lady, Or Drapers' Chapel.
In the tracery of this window is a genealogical tree of the house of David. In the upper panel are the arms of the Earl of Craven (plate I). Arg, a fesse between six cross crosslets, fitchee, gu. Crest-on a chapeau purpure, turned up erm, a griffin, statant, wings elevated, and endorsed of the last, beaked, or. Supporters—Two griffins, erm. Motto, “Virtus in actione consistit.” Entwining the shield is a ribbon, "William Craven, second Earl Craven.” The fourteen panels are illustrations of the life of King David, with appropriate texts. The inscription band reads thus—
"To the glory of God and in memory of William | second Earl of Craven | and eighth baron Craven | who departed this life | Aug. 25, 1866 | aged 57 years. | This window was given by his son, the present Earl."
William, Earl of Craven, was descended from Sir Wm. Craven, Knt., Lord Mayor of London, 1611, he married Lady E. M. Grimston, second daughter of the first Earl of Verulam-residence Combe Abbey, Coventry, and Ashdown Park, Berks.
XXXIII.
The glass of this window was exhibited as a work of Art in glass staining at the Great Exhibition in London, 1851, and was placed here by the parishioners in memory of the late Prince Consort. In the upper part are the arms of Prince Albert quartering the English Royal Arms. The fourteen large compartments represent incidents in the life of Moses from birth to death. The dedication label has—
"In memory of the | great and good | Albert | Emanuel | Prince Consort | who entered into | immortality | Dec. 14th 1861."
XXXIV.
The subject of this window is taken from the life of Solomon, the texts will indicate the character of the representation in each of the fourteen panels—
"Solomon is proclaimed King. | Solomon buildeth the temple. | King Solomon's Judgment. | The Queen of Sheba | heareth Solomon's wisdom. | Solomon dedicateth the Temple. | Solomon falleth into idolatry."
In the tracery is the Ark, Kings Solomon and Hiram, and Hiram Abiif.
The label at foot of this window reads—
"The gift of Henry William | Eaton esqre | Member | of Parliament to the | City of Coventry MDCCCLXIX."
To the initiated this window will be of special interest, the donor being a Past Warden of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of England.
H. W. Eaton, Esqre., was first elected, in the Conservative interest, as Member of Parliament for this City, in June, 1865, upon the death of Sir Joseph Paxton; in July, same year, upon a dissolution, he was returned with Mr. Morgan Treherne; upon the dissolution in 1868, he was again elected with Mr. A. Staveley Hill, Q.C.; in 1874 (Feb. 5) with Mr. H. M. Jackson. In 1880, Sir H. Jackson and Mr. Wills, both liberals, were returned, but on the retirement of Sir H. Jackson, and his immediate death, Mr. Eaton was again elected. Long may he continue his honourable post. In July, 1871, Mr. Eaton purchased Cheylesmore park, he gave a plot of land for the Vicarage of S. Michael's parish, and also the land for the new road to the railway station.
The windows numbered XXX., XXXI., XXXII., XXXIII., XXXIV., are the work of Messrs. Heaton and Butler, of London.
XXXV.
The Eastern window of this Lady (or Drapers') Chapel, is composed of seven panels, four of which contain two figures each, viz. : Zachariah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Micah, Hosea, and Obadiah. The three centre compartments represent the Ascension of our Lord, two attendant angels, with the eleven Apostles and Holy Mother, surmounted by a scroll—
"I ascend to My Father and your Father, My God and your God."
In the tracery are eight panels with Angels bearing shields and sacred emblems, ten other panels, scrolls, and monograms, the uppermost panel our Saviour seated in glory. A brass plate, 7 feet by 7 inches, immediately under the window records-
"To the honour and Glory of Almighty God, and in memory of Col the Hon. Francis Grosvenor Hood, who commanded the Grenadier Guards at the battle of Alma Sept 20 1854 and fell in the trenches before Sevastapol Oct 15 1854 aged 45."
"This window was erected by the inhabitants of this City and neighbourhood."
Col. Francis-Grosvenor Hood, born 4th March, 1809, was the son of Lieut.-Col. Francis Wheeler Hood, who was killed on the heights of Aire, in France, 2 March, 1814, during the life time of his Father, Henry the second Viscount, his brother Samuel, succeeded to the title—the Honble. Caroline Gregory, of Stivichall, is sister to the deceased Colonel. He married Elizabeth Jane, second daughter of the late Admiral Sir Graham-Eden Hamond, Bart.
Several of the families of Wheeler and Hood are buried in a vault beneath the Girdler's Chapel, over which is a flat stone recording their names.
- ↑ The number placed before the description of each window refers the reader to its position. On the plan of the church it is placed outside, opposite to the window.