Rose Window
As many medieval people couldn't read and write, stained glass windows were put into religious buildings to help tell Bible stories.
At the east end of the Nave, above the Chapel of the Nine Altars, you will find the cathedral’s captivating Rose Window. Richard Pickeringe, rector of Hemingbrough, North Yorkshire paid the large sum of £14 (about £9,000 today) for the first Rose Window to be made between 1409 and 1413.
Interesting facts
- After being badly damaged by a storm in the 1770s, the window was partly reconstructed in the 1790s. The present window was designed and made by the firm of Clayton & Bell in 1876.
- Today the Rose Window measures 27.5 metres all the way around and features a detailed design using red, blue, and white glass with yellow shades.
- The glowing central section shows Jesus Christ surrounded by the 12 apostles. Then completing the outer circle are 24 crowned elders from the Book of Revelation in the Bible.
Did you know?
A spiritual metaphor
Rose windows always have specific numbers of sections or ‘petals’.
Separate windows in a geometric pattern create the illusion of radiating lines connecting each layer, almost like spokes in a wheel. The end result always creates a circle, signifying wholeness or completeness.
Things to look for
Can you spot the symbols?
- Each apostle holds an item linked to their personal story.
- In the top left segment, a figure holding an axe is probably St Matthew, who was killed by a battle-axe. Another apostle is holding a ship; this is St Jude, a fisherman who went on missionary expeditions. The saint holding a saw may be St James the Less whose body was sawn apart.
- In the central circle are the words SALVATOR MUNDI which is Latin for “Saviour of the World”. This is also symbolised by Christ’s hands, with his right hand raised in blessing and his left holding an orb or globe.
Follow the guided tour
You’re in: The Quire You’re at: Rose Window Next stop: The Shrine of St Cuthbert
- Facing the Rose Window exit The Quire through the door to your right
- Head down the steps and turn left
- Go down another set of steps
- At the bottom of these steps you will see a set of stairs on your left
- Go up these stairs and into the Shrine of St Cuthbert, also known as The Feretory