This is the famous 'Pricke of Conscience' window at All Saints in York. Unusually for a medieval window it is not concerned with the Trinity, the Saints or the Virgin, but rather seeks to be the illustration of an anonymous poem in Middle English concerning the last 15 days of the world. All Saints church itself is in the Anglo-Catholic tradition and was full of clouds of incense when I visited, thereby heightening the sense of antiquity and sacredness. At the top of this window there is a skeleton armed with a spear, representing Death, which was never far from the medieval soul. And indeed the window itself is not merely decorative, it is a reminder to 'get your house in order' before the end comes.
Below is part of a stained glass window in St Martin-in-Grand church. This stained glass window tells the life of St Martin and seems to take up half of the south wall of this church, and reminded me of the huge Crecy Window in Gloucester Cathedral. I only had time to take a couple of pictures of it, but am very glad I did. It is an amazing sight, and should be included on any tour of York. I did visit the Minster of course, but I would like to think that my passion for churches enabled me to get more out of the beautiful city than many tourists would. I suspect even that many a local is unaware of the treasures to be found.
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