Divine Light

As an architectural historian, an author on Cathedral stained-glass windows and a Cumbria Blue Badge Tourist Guide, I was rallying around seeking votes for the recent competition for the Nation’s favourite stained-glass window in a Cathedral.

Cathedrals are usual focal points for visitors to a city and an important part of England’s history. In addition, other buildings have stained glass which also tell the story of the building, its occupants or the history of a place. As a result, stained glass has become an important storytelling tool for most tourist guides.

Stained glass is an important art-form and became a lifeline for a non-literate society to learn the stories of the bible, saints, and notable events. It was used for both educational and decorative purposes and to inspire awe and to encourage worshippers to engage with the sacred spaces. The sunlight shining through a large colourful window into a large sacred space is a special experience for many.

However, although it is a form of artistic expression, it is also highly scientific. It is not just about creating colourful imagery and patterns. Specialist techniques are used to ensure the intricate designs can work incorporating specific materials, and techniques, an understanding of light and the subtleties of opacity and transparency of glass as well as artistic skills to create symbols, motifs, and depictions accurately. In short, the evolution of stained glass reflects technological progress, artistic expression, and cultural influence.

This competition was organised by the Association of English Cathedrals and the top twelve shortlisted are all beautiful. Indeed, they are all different, in terms of their design, age, location and details. All these windows are worthy of winning. For more information see The Association of English Cathedrals.

The twelve finalists were:

· Carlisle
· Chester
· Ely
· Gloucester
· Newcastle
· Sheffield
· St Albans
· St Georges, Chapel
· Wells
· Westminster Abbey
· Worcester
· York Minster

The winner of the competition was the East Window in Carlisle Cathedral, a building in which I am qualified to provide guided tours. It is a remarkable building with a complex history.

The Cathedral began as a small Norman priory built in 1122 on top of a previous but ruined structure. Founded by King Henry I, it was known as St Mary’s Priory – an Augustinian house of Canons. By 1133 King Henry had created the Diocese of Carlisle and the Priory Church became its Cathedral. By 1540, King Henry VIII had dissolved the priory, but the Cathedral was re-founded and rededicated to the Holy and undivided Trinity. Built of soft red sandstone, it has undergone many restorations over the centuries including significant enlargement and changes in orientation.

The East window is a one of the largest and most complex forms of traceried window described as flowing decorated gothic. The upper part of the window has stained glass depicting the last judgement from the 14th century said to have been created by Ivo de Raughton. The lower panes of stained glass show the life of Jesus by Hardman and Co of Birmingham, dating to the late 19th century.

The cathedral also has intricately carved 15th century choir stalls with misericords and a blue, barrel-vaulted ceiling in the choir, decorated with gold stars and coats-of-arms, restored in the 19th century based on 1400s designs. In addition, the capitals of the columns in the choir feature carvings depicting the “labours of the months”, representing activities associated with different times of the year. There are other features including the Brougham Triptych, a 16th century Flemish altarpiece, several 14th century painted panels and an 11th century runic graffiti thought to have been inscribed by Scandinavians.

The aims of the Association of English Cathedrals competition were to showcase nine hundred years of artistic achievement and the enduring beauty of stained glass. Most churches and cathedrals are struggling to afford their running costs and the heritage skill of stained glass making and repair is now considered an endangered craft. Supporting your local churches and cathedrals will ensure that these buildings and their beautiful stained-glass windows remain for future generations.

 

About the Author

Alexandra is a Blue Badge Tourist Guide for Cumbria and qualified to guide in Windsor Castle – St Georges Chapel. She is also a RIBA Architectural Guide as well as a jury member for the 2026 RIBA Design Awards. She is also Chairperson of both the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (NW) and the North West Tourist Guides Association.  Her specialisms include architectural history of all building types. Meet Alexandra here