In a significant milestone for Barnard Castle, Dr. Fiona Hill, Chancellor of Durham University, unveiled a set of specially commissioned etched-glass windows at St Mary’s Church during a special service on Wednesday, 6 November. These “Windows for the King” were created to honour the 550th anniversary of Richard III’s lordship over Barnard Castle, a role through which he made substantial contributions to the church and the region.
The two-year project was a collaboration between St Mary’s Church Council and The Northern Dales Richard III Group, aiming to celebrate Richard’s historic legacy. Richard’s contributions included investing huge sums of money into the parish church with the intention of it becoming a collegiate church with 12 priests to serve the local area.
Raising the £40,000 necessary for the windows was a true community effort, driven by a variety of fundraising events organised by The Northern Dales Richard III Group. Events included wine tastings, quiz nights, art exhibitions and a ceilidh, which drew support from across the local area.
After an invitation to artists, Pembrokeshire-based glass artist Rachel Phillips was awarded the commission. Adrienne Callister, member of the Partnership Group, said: “Rachel blew us away with her research, her hints of gilding and colour.”
The artwork consists of seven etched-glass windows. Three central panels depict Christ with Mary and the two northern saints personally connected with Richard – St Ninian and St Margaret. A further two panels portray St Helen and St Catherine. The final two panels are Ricardian boars, symbolising Richard’s legacy.
Each figure is presented in a culturally and ethnically authentic manner and each speaks to modern concerns like the relief of poverty, modern slavery, education, pilgrimage, freedom and dignity of women.
Dr. Fiona Hill, who grew up locally in Bishop Auckland, was delighted to be unveiling the windows. “It was an absolute honour and privilege to be invited to the ceremony to represent Durham University as Chancellor but also as somebody from the local area, I’m incredibly proud of being from County Durham. Barnard Castle is an amazing place and this is really a unique and remarkable church.
“The windows are completely fitting for the era – they both recognise the past but also look forward to the future. It’s wonderful that they’re able to use the occasion of the 550th anniversary of Richard III becoming the Lord of Barnard Castle to install such an amazing work of art.”
Winning artist Rachel Phillips also highlighted the project's unique appeal. “One of the things that really attracted me to the commission was not only the history but also the link to contemporary issues.
“The figures in the windows chose in their lives how they used their power, how they used their influence, in terms of supporting the poor, women, oppressed and victims of violence. It feels particularly appropriate as we mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women this month”.
The Revd Canon Alec Harding, Vicar of St. Mary’s Barnard Castle said: “Under the banner of ‘Celebrating God’s Love’ these new windows are an expression of our finding a ‘useable history’ in the long Christian tradition of this ancient parish church.”
The service also featured a special performance by Green Lane CE Primary School pupils and St Mary’s Community Choir, who sang “Loyalty Binds Me,” an original song from the musical Lord of the North, written by Annette Lowson and Kim Harding of the Northern Dales Richard III Group.
Find out more about St. Mary’s and its history by visiting their website. Learn more about Rachel Phillips and her work by visiting her website.
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