A Shakespearean Legacy in Glass – Preserving a Piece of History
As part of the North Shropshire community, we’re deeply concerned about the future of a truly precious and fragile treasure right here near Prees: the Falstaff Window at St Chad’s Church.
Lovely bearded, fat figure from the Battle of Shrewsbury Window now in Prees said to be Falstaff.
This remarkable piece of stained glass, a vital part of the memorialization of the Battle of Shrewsbury and thus an important element of our Shakespearean heritage, is in dire need of conservation. Originally part of Henry IV’s Battlefield Church from the early 1400s, the window was moved to Prees during the Victorian era. Local tradition holds that one of the faces depicted is none other than Falstaff, Shakespeare’s beloved comic hero, a character famous the world over.
A beautiful stained glass window in Prees Church – a 1403 monument to the Battle of Shrewsbury, an event memorialised by William Shakespeare in the climax of Henry IV Part I
Created by the renowned glass artist John Thornton, also responsible for the magnificent Great East Window at York Minster, the Falstaff Window is sadly suffering from an algae infestation that obscures much of its beauty. Worse still, the surrounding stonework has deteriorated so severely that the window’s very stability is threatened.
St Chad’s Church has embarked on a vital mission to raise the approximately £45,000 plus VAT needed to conserve this window, a treasure recognized by experts as being of national importance.
They’re planning a series of engaging community events, including stained glass workshops for all ages, to bring the village together in this effort. We in the North Shropshire community believe in supporting our local heritage and encourage everyone who can to contribute to this worthy cause. Every pound donated will help St Chad’s reach their target and unlock potential match funding opportunities, bringing us closer to saving this invaluable piece of our history for generations to come. Please join us in supporting this crucial endeavor!
