The windows here are a mixture of late 19th and mid 20th
century glass, much having been destroyed during the war. Clayton
and Bell re-glazed the Chapter House in 1882 and in 1951 panels
which survived the war were incorporated into a scheme drawn up
by Joan Howson. The window over the entrance, showing sovereigns
of England, was undamaged. Panels depict scenes from the history
of England and the Abbey, with individual figures and coats of
arms of kings, abbots, churchmen and benefactors to the
Abbey.
James Russell Lowell (1818-1891)
In the vestibule of the Chapter House are lancet windows in
memory of Lowell, poet and United States minister in London,
unveiled in 1893. The coats of arms include those of the USA and
Harvard university. The main figures are St Botolph, patron saint
of Boston, the Pilgrim Fathers, St Martin and St Ambrose.
Robinson Duckworth (1834-1911)
The subject of this small round window opposite the entrance
to the Abbey Museum is St Francis and the birds. Designed by
Francis Skeat and unveiled in 1988. Robinson Duckworth was
Sub-Dean of the Abbey and a close friend of Lewis Carroll. He is
buried in the choir of the abbey.