Christian movement for those in their middle and later years

The picture is the West window of the church of St. Etheldreda in Ely Place.

When I received the Journal for Spring 2018, I was greeted by the sight of an old friend. I have been looking at the East window of Ely Place (EP) for over 50 years. I have studied every detail and have given talks on the theology behind this beautiful sight. I was delighted to read the article from Bridget Nuttgens who is our group leader of Malton in Yorkshire. I take this opportunity to show the West window which was the last window to be completed and the all-round picture of delight provided both as a spectacle and a form of instruction.

The South and North windows depict a number a scene from the Old and New Testament respectively. The West window, as is so often the case, is less well known because the East window is behind the altar, ad orientum, and is in sight throughout the Mass. The West one is seen only as the congregation leave the church. It is also partly hidden behind the Gothic style screen and the quire gallery. This accounts for the angle at which the picture was taken.

This window contrasts the Passion and death of Our Blessed Lord with that of the English Martyrs. The centre shows the Cross of Christ and the ‘Tyburn Tree' At the foot of this stand 5 of the martyrs including 3 Carthusian priors with John Houghton in the middle.

The joint Westminster and Southwark day of reflection this year was a visit to the convent at Tyburn where we were royally entertained by the sisters who spoke of the 40 English Martyrs and John Houghton in particular. I was able to add the connection between St Etheldreda's church and the Tyburn Tree.

Paula Conrad

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