- Type of Memorial
- Window
- WMR Reference Number
- 17224
- Description
- Three windows in the north aisle by the Lady Chapel were restored as a memorial for WW1. The first window was for land, the second window was for air and fire and the third window was for sea. An inscription is at the top of each window. Dedicatory tablet below the windows.
LAND WINDOW: Main theme in the centre consists of a group representing the first death. To the right of the figures is a conqueror attended by captives in chains and to the left of the figures we see a man awed by the eclipse of the sun. Below him is a shepherd guarding his flock and on the other side is a hunter. In the predella is Edward 1 receiving plans of the church, in the centre the effigy is being removed by monks and on the right St Leonard is shown choosing his hermitage.
AIR AND FIRE WINDOW: Flame-girt cenotaph in the centre of the window with the figures of fortitude, faith, love and justice surrounding it. Symbol of the holy trinity is above this. Six wheel spheres represent the six days of creation.
SEA WINDOW: Sea dominates the window and seen within it are coiling dragon creatures held in check by angel forms. Predella shows old Winchelsea with sea close behind the walls. Ships with flags are depicted.
- Inscription
- TO THE MEN OF THE CINQUE PORTS AND THE ANCIENT TOWNS OF RYE AND WINCHELSEA, WHO WHETHER ON SEA, LAND OR IN THE AIR, GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THOSE WHO RETURNED SAFE TO THEIR HOMES
Westernmost land window: O LORD, HOW MANIFOLD ARE THY WORKS. IN WISDOM HAST THOU MADE THEM ALL. THE EARTH IS FULL OF THY RICHES
Centre air and fire window: PRAISE THE LORD FROM THE HEAVENS; PRAISE YE HIM, SUN AND MOON, ALL YE STARS OF LIGHT, FIRE AND HEAT, SNOW AND VAPOUR, STORM AND WIND FULFILLING HIS WORD
Easternmost sea window: THEY THAT GO DOWN TO THE SEA IN SHIPS, THAT DO BUSINESS IN GREAT WATERS: THESE SEE THE WORKS OF THE LORD AND HIS WONDERS IN THE DEEP. HE MAKETH THE STORM A CALM, SO HE BRINGETH THEM UNTO THEIR DESIRED HAVEN
Tablet: TO THE GLORY OF GOD IN MEMORY OF/ THOSE MEN FROM THE CINQUE PORTS AND THE/ ANCIENT TOWNS OF RYE AND WINCHELSEA/ WHO WHETHER ON LAND OR SEA OR IN THE/ AIR GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE WAR OF 1914/ - 1918 AND IN THANKSGIVING FOR THOSE/ THAT RETURNED SAFE TO THEIR HOMES THE/ THREE WINDOWS IN THIS AISLE WERE RE-/ PAIRED AND FILLED WITH STAINED GLASS/ AND THIS ALTAR WAS SET UP/ A.D. 1933/