Holy Trinity - Ancient Stained Glass (16)

Image: © Rob Farrow Taken: 10 May 2009

Panel 16: This final panel in the sequence depicts the emblem known as the Portcullis. A portcullis was a latticed gate that could be dropped down through grooves in the stonework to provide quick defence at the gateway to a castle. This stylised representation, with dangling chains was much favoured - and effectively made famous - by the first Tudor monarch, Henry VII (b. 1457, r.1485-1509), though having been used before that by the children of John of Gaunt, notably the Beaufort Family. Margaret Beaufort (1443-1509) {see http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/52/MargaretBeaufort2.jpg and note the window} was greatgranddaughter of John of Gaunt being the mother of Henry VII. It has been widespread and popular ever since. It is used today for example as the emblem of the Palace of Westminster. For those of us old enough to remember pre-decimal coinage, it was the final design to feature on the 12-sided 3d coins (threepenny ("thruppny") bits). My earlier comments suggest that perhaps this glass dates from Henry VII's reign - but that is just supposition. Previous panel Image] First panel in sequence Image]

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