IMAGES OF MEDIEVAL ART AND ARCHITECTURE

ENGLAND: Tewkesbury Abbey

Stained Glass

THESE WINDOWS ARE IN THE CLERESTORY LEVEL OF THE CHOIR


•  A • These 14th century glass windows were presented to the church during the Abbacy of Thomas Kempsey ( Abbot from 1282-1328) They were the gift of Eleanor de Clare,
who died in 1337. She was the wife of Hugh le Despenser
and after his death of William de la Zouch.

• B •  This North West  window,
shown on the left 
in Image •  A • ,
is unusual for medieval glass,
because instead of having religious 
figures, it has members of the 
Clare and Despenser families, 
who were the patrons 
of this church.
They are depicted in 
14 th century armor.
 


 

Close up views of  • B •  The North West Window


•  C • Robert Fitzhamon, 
Founder of the Church. 

Arms : azure, a lion 
rampant gardant or.

•  D •  Center : Hugh, 
Lord Despenser, 
first husband of Eleanor 
de Clare

Arms : Quarterly, argent 
and gules in the second 
and third quarter, a fret or : over all , a bend sable.

Right : Gilbert de Clare, 
9th Earl  of Gloucester, brother of Eleanor

 

•  E•  Gilbert de Clare, 
9th Earl  of 
Gloucester, brother 
of Eleanor

  F • Robert Fitzroy, 
son of Henry I
first Earl of Gloucester
: son - in - law of the Founder, and builder 
of the Abbey Tower.

Arms : Gules, three 
clarions or.

 


 
 
 
 

 

G •  A view of the Abbey from above the High Altar
shows the fourteen great Norman columns
and the West Window inserted in 1686
in imitation of the Perpendicular style.

All images and computer code is copyrighted by Dr. Alison Stones
Last updated by:Jane Vadnall & Graham Whitlow Date:June 11, 2002


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