Appeal sheds light on six saints depicted in stained glass window

The 1876 Victorian stained glass window at All Saints Church at Great Melton, where the six saints have all been identified in answer to an appeal from church members. Around Jesus at the crucifiction, from left, in the left panel, St Ethelreda, St Ethelbert, and St Erkonwold. The centre panel depicts the Virgin Mary, left, Mary Magdalene, front, and St John. The other three saints in the right panel, St Alban (centurion), St Edmond, front, and St Withburga. Picture: Denise Bradley

Rebecca Gough Monday, December 30, 2013 11:17 AM

An appeal for help to identify a number of saints depicted in a church window has ended in success.

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All six figures on the stained glass of the east window at Saints Church at Great Melton have now been identified, after a number of calls from the public, historians and stained glass experts.

The window, made from Victorian glass from 1876, was erected in memory of rector Charles Eyres, who spent 25 years in the parish. It is thought that the window was made in London and clearly depicts six Norfolk saints around the cross in the scene of the crucifixion.

While St Edmund had already been identified, it is now known that he is joined by St Etheldreda, St Ethelbert, Bishop Erkonwold, St Alban and St Withburga.

Church warden Maggie Murrell said: Its been a great experience. The Stained Glass Window Society called me and weve had historians and people that have known the church over time.

Im amazed at the response - its been lovely to have the contact with all these people.

All Saints Church is part of the villages unusual religious history. Next to the existing church and in the same grounds are the ruins of St Marys Church, and, although the two churches stood next to each other, they served separate manors until they were brought together in the early 18th century.

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Appeal sheds light on six saints depicted in stained glass window