St. Alban the Martyr

The Military Window


This page is part of our project "Revealing St Alban's Hidden Heritage" supported by a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to players of The National Lottery.


What date is this window?
Between 1883 and 1896.

Who made this window?
It was made by the firm of Clayton and Bell.

Who gave this window?
The brothers James and Tom Pollock in memory of their father, Major Samuel Pollock.

Is there a dedication plaque?
Yes, it reads: ”To the glory of God in memory of Samuel Pollock J.P. of Strathallan Isle of Man Major late 43D. L.I. He served in the Peninsula War 1808-1812 was present at Corunna Coa Busaco Pombal Redinha Casal-Nova Miranda-de-Corvo Foz-d’Arpuce Sabugal Fuentes-d’Onor Ciudad-Rodrigo & was severely wounded at Badajoz, In peace March 6 MDCCCLXV. Aged 80 years.”

Description
This three-lancet window in the south wall is a memorial to the soldier father of the Pollocks, who performed conspicuous acts of bravery during the Peninsular War. It represents the victories of great Biblical soldiers and fighters. Each light has three architectural bands holding angels bearing scrolls. The scrolls of the angels in the upper row bear the word 'Alleluia', while those in the middle and lower rows bear bible references relating to the scene above each angel. These are now very hard to read as it seems that the sun has faded the text in this south-facing window. Above the middle and lower rows of angels are inscriptions that run across all three lights. The middle inscription reads: "Thanks be to God through our Lord Jesus Christ which giveth us the victory" This is a rearrangement of 1 Corinthians XV 55 to place “through our Lord Jesus Christ” under the central picture of the crucified Christ. The lower inscription reads “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost”.