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.