The Window at St Michael and All Angels, Highclere
To Captain Frederick A Wombwell
Brother of Almina, 5th Countess of Carnarvon
Extract from "The Newbury Weekly News" of Thursday 31 July 1913:-
The two easternmost lancets in the south aisle of the church have just been filled in with stained glass. They are, as the inscription records “ In Loving Memory of Frederick A Wombwell, Captain, 16th Lancers” and are a gift of “ his sister Almina Carnarvon. ”
The figures in the windows are two warrior saints who, while typifying military prowess also typify bravery in its highest form, Christian heroism. These figures, so appropriate in a memorial to a soldier, are St Martin and St George.
The St Martin window depicts the act of charity, which is so in separately associated with his name – his gift to the poor, shivering beggars, of half his cloak. England’s patron saint in the other light is in full armour, and carriers his blood-red cross. The significant motto, “ Amabalis super armorem” on a scroll, gives to arms the higher incentive of love. A small quatrefoil above bears an angel with a shield. Both the lights are enclosed in ornamental borders, and there is a quarry background to the figures. The windows were executed by Messrs C E Kempe and Co, London, and in accord with the tradition of that well known school of religious art. The windows were dedicated at the recent children’s service, when Lady Carnarvon was present.
This note has been prepared by William Cross, FSA Scot, Author of “ The Life and Secrets of Almina Carnarvon”. For further information please contact Will by e-mail.