IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Cheltenham Road, GLOUCESTER, GL2 0JH

Panel 4: Another roundel, but this glass is perhaps somewhat younger than in the previous one. There are more subtle colours, and a variation of colour within leaded sections, I would welcome an expert's opinion. The scene depicted would seem to be "The Flagellation of Christ", like the previous roundel, a stage in the "Passion Of Christ", but before rather than after the Crucifixion. Previous panel Image] Next panel Image]

This is a close-up of an example of the charming detail to be found on this ancient stained glass. This is the lower section of Image]

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]

Panel 15: This little image is placed in the top light of one of the new windows incorporating this old glass. Who is it a representation of I wonder ? That golden yellow could be a halo, or a crown, or perhaps just golden hair. Depending on this, the image could be of God, or Jesus, or a saint, or an angel - or perhaps just a knight. Whoever it is however, appears to be winking. I would estimate that this glass like the previous few panels dates from the turn of the C16th - but would welcome authoratative advice. Previous panel Image] Next panel Image]

Panel 14: A difficult scene to make out, this one. It almost looks like a mediaeval bar scene, with the monk on the left asking for a chalice of mead from the bar staff - the figure to the right looking decidedly like a serving wench. I am however, probably entirely mistaken, and this is some famous scene from the Bible - apologies therefore if I've been unintentionally sacrilegious ! I would guess that this glass is of a similar age to the two preceding panels, i.e. late C15th / early C16th. Note however the beautiful green and purple triangular corners - these two colours were particularly favoured in the C14th, so perhaps they - and even possibly the whole panel dates from this earlier time. These triangles actually have tracery patterns in them - whether this kind of detail was within the technology of the C14th I don't know, and would be very interested to find out. Previous panel Image] Next panel Image]

Panel 13: Another beautifully painted panel, with muted colours and fine draughtsmanship. Once again I would tentatively suggest a date of late C15th or early C16th century but would welcome informed suggestions. I think that the scene depicted could be the preparation of the Fatted Calf for the Prodigal Son. Alternatively it may be some allegorical story of which I'm unaware. Previous panel Image] Next panel Image]

Panel 12: I have no idea what is being depicted in this panel. I can't even say whether it is allegorical, or a depiction (in anachronistic dress) of a Biblical story. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know. I would tentatively date the glass as C15th or early C16th, but would welcome expert opinion. [Edit - May 2014] Two suggestions as follows: I would say the glass is 17th or 18th century, certainly not earlier.-- Julian P Guffogg David Verey's Pevsner guide says that the church has "fragments of medieval glass and some foreign medallions." I think these folk may be amongst the foreigners, which would account for their unusual appearance. - "Tiger" Previous panel Image] Next panel Image]

Panel 11: At first sight, this scene looks like a courtly Tudor scene ... but what's that on the plate? John the Baptist's head by the looks of it! It is endearing that the artists who created this wonderful glass in the C16th (I'd guess) represent these Biblical figures, of 1500 years earlier, in contemporary clothes. Previous panel Image] Next panel Image]

Panel 10: This delicately painted panel represents Charity - or Caritas in latin. I think that this panel may date from the C18th as it is non-religious, has subtle rather than bold colouring and is effectively translucent oil painting, all indicative of that century. Previous panel Image] Next panel Image]

Panel 9: Here, for the first time in the sequence, we seem to have an allegorical rather than purely Biblical figure. These allegories were first depicted in the C15th at which time colours also became paler and drawing skills improved. However, I think that this central picture could be considerably more recent, perhaps from the late C17th or early C18th as stained glass by this time was effectively translucent oil painting, which this resembles. I would suggest though, that the surrounding frame segments could be much older, as they are of a far simpler style and bolder, primary colours. Previous panel Image] Next panel Image]