The St. Aidan Window
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What date is this window?
We do not know, but believe that it is close in date to the other windows in the ambulatory.
Who made this window?
We know that it was made by the firm of Clayton and Bell.
Who gave this window?
We do not know.
Is there a dedication plaque?
No, there is no plaque and no traces to suggest that there ever was one.
Decription
At the top of the window two angels hold a scroll bearing the text "Holy, Holy, Holy", while at the foot a single angel holds a scroll with the same wording. Between, St Aidan stands in cope and mitre within an architectural frame. He holds his episcopal crozier and a book. Beside him stands a stag.
St Aidan of Lindisfarne
Aidan, a Celtic monk of Irish descent in the monastry of Iona was sent as a missionary to Northumbria at the invitation of King Oswald, who had himself been raised on Iona as an exile before he gained the throne of Northumbria in 634.
Aidan chose Lindisfarne, close to the royal fortress of Bamburgh, as his headquarters. He travelled throughout Northumbria on foot talking to all whom he met and was responsible for the construction of churches, monasteries and schools. He had a great reputation for charity and dedication to the less fortunate, providing shelter, food and education to orphans, and using gifts of money that he received to pay for the freedom of slaves. He died on 31st August 651.