N5 King John signing Magna Carta and Saint Hilda
The gift of Lilian Nettlingham with thankfulness to God for the opportunity of 50 years worship and service. November 1963. (Miss Nettlingham was Sunday School Superintendent)
This left hand light of this window depicts King John signing the Magna Carta in 1215.
Magna Carta which means great charter is famous as a symbol of justice, fairness, and human rights. For centuries it has inspired and encouraged movements for freedom and constitutional government in Britain and around the world. But when it was issued by England’s King John in June 1215 it was an attempt to prevent a civil war between the king and his powerful barons.
The Bishop (along with 3 barons) seen standing behind the King in this window suggests the Church’s influence in this event.
The right hand light depicts Saint Hilda 614-680. Hilda is a Christian saint and the founding abbess of the monastery at Whitby. An important figure in the Christianisation of Anglo-Saxon England, she was abbess at several monasteries and recognised for the wisdom that drew kings to her for advice. In the window there are depicted a nun, a Bishop and King Oswald with St Hilda in the foreground.
The window was designed by Rupert Moore for James Powell & Son in 1963 at a cost of £640.