Apostolic East Window - Litchborough, Northamptonshire

1889
Apostolic East Window - Litchborough, Northamptonshire

This five-light stained-glass window, installed in 1889 in the church at Litchborough, was made by J. Powell & Sons (Whitefriars), to a design by Christopher Whall. The window presents a sequence of apostolic and Christological figures above a narrative predella, combining symbolism, scripture, and pastoral theology.

The upper register consists of five standing figures beneath architectural canopies:

  • The left-hand light shows St Peter , holding the keys and a book, signifying his authority and role as the foundation of the Church.

  • The left-centre light depicts St John the Baptist , identified by his banner, proclaiming Christ as the Lamb of God.

  • The central light presents Christ as the Good Shepherd, enthroned and holding a shepherd’s crook, with the inscribed words “I AM”, affirming Christ’s divine identity.

  • The right-centre light shows St John the Evangelist , carrying a chalice and book, symbols of revelation and sacramental theology.

  • The right-hand light depicts St Paul , holding a book, representing apostolic teaching and missionary authority.

Below, the predella contains five small narrative scenes aligned with the figures above:

  1. The Charge to Peter — “Feed my sheep”, reinforcing Petrine authority.

  2. The Baptism of Christ, recalling the ministry of St John the Baptist.

  3. Christ Blessing the Children, expressing pastoral care and compassion.

  4. The Adoration of the Lamb, a vision of heavenly worship drawn from the Apocalypse.

  5. St Paul departing on a voyage, symbolising missionary endeavour and the spread of the Gospel.

The window is characteristic of Christopher Whall’s early work, showing a move toward greater emphasis on expressive figure drawing, symbolic clarity, and integrated narrative structure. Executed by Powell & Sons, it stands at the intersection of late Victorian stained glass and the emerging ideals that would later define the Arts and Crafts movement.