The Flodden Window

Image: © David Dixon Taken: 14 Sep 2013

The Flodden Window is believed to be the oldest war memorial in the UK, if not in the World (http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/worlds-oldest-war-memorial-nears-1043273 Manchester Evening News). The window was originally commissioned by Sir Richard Assheton in 1515 to commemorate The Battle of Flodden Field or Branxton Moor which had taken place two years earlier. A company of Middleton archers, led by Sir Richard, achieved notable success in the battle in which James IV's invading army of Scots and French troops was defeated in the largest ever battle between England and Scotland. The Flodden Window depicts in detail seventeen captains of the Middleton Archers, their leader Sir Richard and his wife and the priest Henry Taylor who blessed them before the battle. The window shows each archer wearing a blue court mantle, carrying a bow stave with each archer's name above it; they are all kneeling in prayer before leaving for the battle. The window was originally larger, and situated in the North Aisle. By the 19th century, the window had deteriorated badly; it was rescued and reassembled creating two main panels where there had originally been three. It was moved to its present position in the sanctuary as it was thought that it would be better protected from the elements there. The Flodden Window is one of the best known pieces of stained glass in the country and as such is now a protected national monument.

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