First World War: Then and Now
The First World War memorial window in the gallery of Stoke Minster urgently needed restoration. To commemorate the Centenary of the First World War, the window was professionally cleaned and re-leaded and people were given rare access to the gallery to see the window up-close and ask the craftsman questions.
St Peter’s Academy students and volunteers were involved in the project. They researched local soldiers who fought in the First World War and discovered how the window was made. They also talked to older residents about the post-war period and how people overcame extreme financial hardship to fund beautiful, expensive memorials. The students then helped create a public exhibition, a church trail and a map of where each commemorated soldier lived.
A special service was held at Stoke Minster to rededicate the window, and a local heritage society led an all-day public event to explain the window’s past, demonstrate preservation techniques and debate how stained glass can be protected for the future.
Wendy Daw, a member of Friends of Stoke Minster, said: “This project brought more visitors to see not only the impressive memorial window but the whole church. All who took part gained an understanding of the sacrifices of those who fought and died, and the effects it had on families at home.”