Magnificat Window

walwyn Fri, 08/26/2011 - 22:42
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Magnificat Window (1501)

 

This window in the North transept of Great Malvern Priory was a gift from Henry VII in 1501. Containing scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary and the life of Christ., it is known as the Magnificat window because it contains the Song of Mary from Luke 1:46-55.

 

My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

The window has suffered a lot of damage over the centuries, including a storm in 1703, panes were broken by stone throwing boys in the 18th century, and one vicar used the north transept as pigeon loft and had some panes removed so that the pigeons could fly in and out.