13 rouen window july 2013

The French Glass

Here we find the Abbey’s only ancient panel of glass. It is 16th century in date and comes from the church of St Nicholas des Painteurs in Rouen. This panel was acquired when the church was demolished in 1840, and was donated to the Abbey in 1974 by Mrs Neill of Lee Park Farm in memory of her husband, Captain Charles Neill.

The whole window was an allegory on the pilgrimage of the human soul and this is the final scene, Salvation, after the man has overcome various problems and followed Christ. An angel comes down from heaven to receive the human soul, saved by love (Charité) and prayer (Oraison). As he takes off for heaven, he leaves behind an ostentatious almsgiver in a maroon gown, who has been rejected.

In the window beside the panel is the crest of 49 Squadron Bomber Command, in which Captain Neill served during World War Two.

Romsey Abbey - A Guide to the Stained Glass
  1. An Introduction
  2. The West Window
  3. South Nave Aisle - Abraham and Isaac
  4. South Nave Aisle - The Annunciation
  5. South Nave Aisle - St Anna and The Presentation in the Temple
  6. South Nave Aisle - Christ Healing the Blind Man
  7. South Transept - The Three Marys
  8. South Transept - The Dutton Windows
  9. South Transept - The Tollemache Windows
  10. The French Glass
  11. St Anne's Chapel - The Child Jesus in the Temple and The Epiphany Windows
  12. St Ethelflaeda's Chapel - The Crucifixion
  13. St Mary's Chapel - The Adoration of the Shepherds
  14. St George's Chapel - St Michael and the Dragon
  15. St George's Chapel - The Pool at Bethesda
  16. The North Choir Aisle - The Calling Window
  17. The East Windows
  18. North Transept - The Angel of Music
  19. The North Transept (north wall, left) - The Annunciation
  20. The North Transept (north wall, right) - The Holy Family
  21. The North Transept (west wall) - St Swithun
  22. North Nave Aisle 1 - Healing the Lame, The Good Samaritan, and Healing the Blind Man
  23. North Nave Aisle 2 - Christ the Good Shepherd & Suffer the Little Children