|
|
The Nave
For details of the windows in the North and South Aisles, follow their links. This page includes all windows in the West Wall.  The nave dates from the 14th century. The four figures on the pillars are Saint Edward the Confessor, S. Denis, Patron Saint of France, Saint Cecilia and Saint Hugh of Lincoln and they, together with the Rood Screen date from 1919 and were made after designs by Sir Ninian Comper. The font by the west tower arch has the royal coat of arms on the wall above. The font was recovered from the Vicarage garden and is said to have been made from the socket of a medieval cross; which after a disuse of fifty years was restored to the church in 1873, and moved to its present position in 1930. The series of multi-coloured hassocks are the work of All Hallows Embroiderers' Guild, with designs taken from the stained glass windows.
The north and south aisle windows are Perpendicular (15th century), columns are Decorated (14 century) as are the arches and lower parts of the walls. The difference between the datings could be because the church was being extended during the first half of the 14th century, but that work came to a halt - perhaps through the effects of the Black Death. When work was resumed, the alterations were finished in a new style. An example of this is the West Window in the North Aisle where there appears to have been an attempt to build a much larger window than the present one.
The roofs are perpendicular tie-beam, that of the South Aisle is the most interesting. The nave roof was re-leaded in 1962, the chancel roof in 1963 and the north and south aisle floors with those of the organ chapel (St. Katherine's Chapel) and the vestries, renewed in 1970.
As is common in many Nene valley churches the Nave is practically square, but if one imagines it without the side aisles, All Hallows was, in the 13th century quite a long church, since the chancel is also of the same age.  The roundel window, visible through the glass screen, above the west door, is probably one of the oldest windows in the Church (c.1275 AD.) - however the glass is much later. It was designed by John Piper and made by Patrick Reyntiens in 1964.
The other windows on the West Wall are also designed by distinguished artists. The south-west window is by Evie Hone, well known for her work in Eton College Chapel, and the north-west again by John Piper of Coventry Cathedral fame. .
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alice Maud Middleton Memorial Window Designed and made by Evie Hone in 1955, this window is fascinating from the points of view of both art and religion. Its 'solid' appearance makes it look as if it is built from blocks of glass, yet it still has a gentle quality, with simple detail and subtle colours. The symbols of the Bible and Church are used to denote the Creation. Top Left Tracery
The Moon; 'the lesser light to rule the night'.
XR - 'CHI-RHO' sign which is the Greek symbol of Christ.
Top Centre Tracery
The Sun - 'God said 'let there be light' and there was light'.
The Easter Candle - The symbol of the risen Christ, the bringer of the light of salvation of the New Creation of His church.
Top Right Tracery
The City - Jerusalem, the goal of creation.
Pelican - symbol of Christ feeding his own. In medieval times, the Pelican was thought to kill her new-born offspring, then revive them after three days by pecking her breast and letting the blood fall into their mouths. This is used as an allegory for Christ's action in the Mass.
Left Hand Tracery
The creation of God's chosen people, through the promise of salvation from evil, is depicted here.
Noah's Ark and the Rainbow - signs of God's promise of redemption; the creation of the Covenant.
Sacrificial Lamb - symbol of the creation of the principle of forgiveness in the Covenant; also foreshadows Christ's own sacrifice.
Ten Commandments - creation of the Covenant rules of behaviour for God's people, expressing his will.
Seven Branch Candlestick - symbol of the creation of worship and the priesthood.
Right Hand Tracery
Tongues of Fire - the sign of the Holy Spirit given to the Apostles at Pentecost.
Crown & Laurel Leaves - of the Saints, All Hallows.
Crossed Keys - the symbol of the Church's authority to speak the will of God.
Ark of Salvation - the promise of redemption as symbolised in Noah and his Ark.
Centre Tracery
Three Circles - the interweaving of the these reflects the Holy Trinity, the source of the creation of the Messiah and his Godhead.
Star of David - symbol of Jesus' messianic purpose, source of His manhood.
Lamb of Victory - symbolises the victorious death of Jesus, creating our salvation.
Jesus (miracle of the Five Loaves and Two Fish) ordains the Sacrament of the Mass (Bread and the Chalice).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Helen Wells Chapman Memorial Window
This window represents the Symbols of the Evangelists. With its vivid primary colours it features visions of the Old Testament Prophets. Its symbols, traditional religious art forms all found in scripture, have been bought to life by Piper.
(Looking from left to right)
1- 'Law with grace'. St Matthew saw Christ as the second Moses, bringing the new law of Love to human nature. The symbol of Winged Man and the Tablets of the Law (whole and broken) depict Moses. The top traceries show stones, depicting the hardness of man's heart and the rock-like solidity of the Love of God.
2- 'Strength with Sweetness'. The top traceries show vine leaves which are favourite Christian and Jewish symbols of the goodness of God. St Mark saw Christ as the second Daniel who remained faithful to God (hence the Lion). Christ is also the ascetic who refuses the good things of life (the grapes) in order that God's vineyard (the tradition symbol of Israel) be returned to Him.
3- 'Power with Love'. St Luke sees Christ as a great prophet; a second Samuel. The almond tree is the first tree to blossom. Christ is the blossom of the Tree of Jesse (father of David), the symbol of Christ's human lineage and the origin of his messiahship. The bull figure is reminiscent of the winged creatures who guarded the Ark of the Covenant in the Temple of Solomon in which was contained the word of God, i.e. The Tablets of the Law.
4- 'Knowledge with Faith'. St John depicts Christ as the revealer of God's will and the bringer of light (knowledge) to the world. The eagle is the creature who has foresight, as we must have to take in the implication of the presence of Christ in this world. Accepting Christ means responding in faith to the Light of the World. The top traceries accentuate this by depicting flames. Elijah ascended to heaven by means of the fiery chariot but "his mantle fell on Elisha".
|
|
|