Royal Air Force Window and Armed Forces Memorial
In the north west corner of the Nave aisle is a captivating stained glass window design by Hugh Ray Easton (1906-1965) with a memorial to the British Armed Forces directly below.
In the cathedral’s RAF Memorial Window, Durham City is shown beneath a large black eagle that is flying above. The eagle is holding up a kneeling airman as he is received into paradise and welcomed by an angel. There are then four more angels at the very top. The inscription at the base of the window reads “As Birds Fly So Shall the Lord Of Hosts Protect Jerusalem”.
Notable people
Hugh Ray Easton designed this window. Born and raised in London, Easton then trained in France. He served as a Commander Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in the Second World War at the Ministry of Information. Most of his windows were put together in a studio belonging to Robert Hendra and Geoffrey Harper in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.
Henry Duke of Gloucester unveiled the window on Thursday 8 April 1948.
Things to look for
St Cuthbert’s Mist
The window design shows Durham with a thick line of clouds above it as if to protect the city from enemy attack. Can you see it? Could this be related to a local story?
In the early summer of 1942 and during the second surge of the Blitz, Durham Cathedral was in danger of being bombed by the German air force. In the early hours of 1 May 1942, the alarm sounded but locals witnessed a sudden low-hanging mist blanketing the city. As a result of the mist, Durham escaped bombing and some locals believed it was the work of St Cuthbert. As word spread over the country about this phenomenon, many believed other sudden mist falls to be the work of St Cuthbert protecting the lands.
Armed Forces Memorial
The three stone plaques underneath this window commemorate the British Army, Navy and RAF. Above the inscriptions are their emblems and below is the message “Thanks be to God”. Poppy wreaths are usually laid on the ground underneath for the days of remembrance to honour the armed forces.
Interesting facts
Windows for remembering
Easton’s Second World War memorial window designs can be found across the UK. In addition to three other windows at Durham, he designed the Battle of Britain Memorial window (1949) for the Rolls-Royce factory in Osmaston, Derby. It commemorates both the RAF and Rolls-Royce’s contribution to building aircraft engines. He also designed six stained glass windows for Westminster Abbey, including another Battle of Britain Memorial Window (1947) and the Nurses Memorial Window (1950), all in his distinctive style.
Follow the guided tour
You’re in: The Nave You’re at: Royal Air Force Window and Armed Forces Memorial Next stop: Father Smith Organ Case
- Turn around and make your way towards the visitor desk
- If you're able to make a donation or would like to book tickets, the staff on the visitor desk will be happy to help you
- Once you've made your way through the visitor desk, look for the large, black wooden structure on your right
- This is the Father Smith Organ Case