iven by L A Underwood). This was Canon Underwood’s wife. The chancel was restored in 1874 under the direction of Canon C W Underwood.
3 Betrayal and Judgement
And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ was betrayed by Judas’ kiss (Matthew 26.48–50). Judas is holding the bag of money, the thirty silver coins he received from the Jewish officials (Matthew 26.15). The betrayal happened at night, and some of the men are holding torches. Both Roman soldiers and Jewish officials were involved in arresting Jesus (Matthew 26.47). A priest is shown behind Judas, at the right of the window.
Pilate washes his hands (Matthew 27.24) as the mob call for the release of Barabbas (Matthew 27.15–20). Jesus is bound and a prisoner. A reed is placed in his arms to symbolise a sceptre. This was part of the mocking of his kingly status and the humiliation he underwent (Matthew 27.28–31).
The inscription is DONO CLERIC ARCHDIAC.
4 Instruments of the Passion
The small panels depict the various instruments of the Passion of Jesus. From the top left, we see a crown of thorns (Matthew 27.29) and three nails (traditionally one nail for each hand and one nail through both feet). A hammer and pincers or pliers used for the crucifixion and then for taking down the body. The middle pane is a traditional emblem of Christ, based on the words of John the Baptist as recorded in John 1.29, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’ The whip used for the scourging of Christ (John 19.1) was a Roman instrument of torture with small pieces of metal on the leather thongs. The inscription INRI was placed on the cross at Pilate’s instructions. It was usual for a placard stating the crime to be carried before the victim as he was taken to the place of execution and then fastened to his cross. The Latin Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum translates as Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. The final pane on the left side depicts the sponge dipped in vinegar (John 19.28) and the spear with which the Roman soldier pierced Jesus’ side (John 19.34). The wine vinegar contained herbs which would have been offered to the victims of crucifixion to help lessen the pain. Matthew records (27.34) that Jesus refused it. The Jews wanted to finish the crucifixion before the Sabbath began so they asked Pilate to have Jesus’ legs broken to hasten death and have him taken down. However, when the soldier came to him he found that he was already dead and pierced his side with a spear to confirm this.
The window inscription is DONO S PEED (given by S Peed).
5 Descent from the Cross
He suffered and was buried
Before the Sabbath began at sunset, Jesus was taken down from the Cross. His wounded right hand and feet are shown in the portrayal of this window. Mary was at the Cross (John 19.25) as Christ was lowered by his friends. The lower part of the window shows the Roman soldiers gambling for Christ’s robe (John 19.23, 24) as it was the privilege of the execution party to take the goods of the victims.
The inscription is IN MEM GULIELM TAYLOR (In Memory of William Taylor).
6 The Empty Tomb and Ascension
And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, And ascended into heaven
The top part of the window shows Christ’s ascent to heaven in a cloud as the disciples watch (Acts 1.9). The lower half is the empty tomb and the three women who had come to anoint his body and complete the burial formalities which had been left unfinished on Good Friday because of the commencement of the Jewish Sabbath (Luke 23.55—24.1). Note the sad faces of the women who had come to mourn their friend. The angel spoke the words, ‘He is not here; he has risen!’ Note the crown of thorns lying on the ground. Artistic licence has been used in the depiction of the sepulchre which was actually a cave.
The inscription is IN MEM GULIELM TAYLOR (In Memory of William Taylor).
7 Christ in Judgement
And He shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead: Whose kingdom shall have no end
Christ returns accompanied by the angels and with the