Westminster Abbey
The Chapel Windows
Back to list

: The Islip Chapel
        lower chantry window
Ref: 25506 ()
(c) Westminster Abbey
The Islip Chapel lower chantry window
Islip Chapel - Upper chantry. The Nurses Memorial

Built by Abbot John Islip (died 1532) this chantry was dedicated as the Nurses Memorial Chapel in 1950. It is to commemorate the nurses and midwives from the Commonwealth who died during the 1939-45 war. A Roll of Honour is kept in the chapel. The large window was designed by Hugh Easton and contains figures of Our Lady standing on the crescent moon carrying the Christ Child who blesses the figure of a nurse who kneels below. Above the nurse is St Luke, the beloved physician, standing on a rainbow. At the base are badges of the nursing Services and names of all the countries from which nurses came to serve in the war. In the tracery at the top is the lamp of Florence Nightingale placed on a Red Cross. This small chapel is not open to general visitors. Application to view the chapel should be made to a Verger at the Abbey.

Islip Chapel - Lower chantry

Also by Hugh Easton this window was the gift of Alan Don, Dean of Westminster, as a thank-offering for the safe deliverance of the Abbey and St Margaret's Westminster from the perils of war. The figures of Abbot Islip and St Margaret of Antioch trampling the evil dragon are shown. Dedicated 1948. Services of Holy Communion are often held here.

This window can be viewed through the chapel screen.

Henry V Chantry Chapel

A small four light window designed by Edward Woore (1952) can just be seen above the altar in this Chantry. Four kings are represented: Henry III, Edward III, Henry V and Henry VII, with their coats of arms. The designer used glass salvaged from a war damaged window.

St Benedict's Chapel - Citizens of Westminster

Again by Hugh Easton (1948) this replaces a window to the Queens Westminster Rifles which was damaged during the war. It shows St George and St Michael slaying the dragon and symbolises the sacrifice of the citizens of the City of Westminster who gave their lives during the 1939-45 war. It includes badges and emblems of the Westminster Dragoons, Queens Westminsters, the Home Guard, Police and Fire Services, civil defence and voluntary Services.