Discover St Saviour’s

Lady Chapel Window

To get to St Saviour’s, you may have travelled across Splott Bridge which crosses the railway line. 

The original bridge was replaced in recent years to make way for the electrification of the line, and it was once the scene of an unsavoury stone throwing connected with this window which see you above you.

Here, in coloured glass, you can see the image of Mary and Jesus.  On one side is King David, with a scroll spelling out words from Psalm 19: “…forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber.”  On the other is Isaiah with his prophetic words, “Behold a virgin shall conceive…”

So what’s the connection between the bridge and this window?

In 1904, there was what was called locally, ‘the Great Mission’ conducted by the Mirfield Fathers (including W.H. Frere). The Missioners aroused a great degree of opposition for their catholic teachings and practices which included the Missioners having stones thrown at them on Splott Bridge.

Despite the distribution of anonymous pamphlets which opposed the Mission and the Splott Bridge stoning, the Mission was a great success, and 259 people were confirmed in April.

This window was given in thanksgiving for the Mission.  It is the work of Geoffrey Webb and is a copy of a window featured in Chislehurst Church.  It was blessed on Christmas Day 1905.