A UNIQUE artwork to commemorate Richard III will take shape in Barnard Castle’s parish church which was intended to be his religious college.
Next year Barnard Castle will celebrate 550 years since the lordship of the town was granted to Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who was later crowned Richard III.
To mark the anniversary, St Mary’s Church, in partnership with the Northern Dales Richard III group, aims to install seven “Windows for the King” .
The etched windows will feature the saints that Richard III wanted for the dedication of his College of St Mary’s, which was close to completion when he died at Bosworth Field.
They will be installed in the recently created inner porch.
Three central etched panels will depict Christ with Mary and ttwo northern saints.
A further two panels will portray St Helen of the Holy Cross and St Catherine of Alexandria, saints with medieval chantries in or close to St Mary’s in the late 15th century.
A final two panels will show Ricardian boars, as illustrated on the St Anthony effigy near the font in St Mary’s.
Glass artist Rachel Phillips has been commissioned as project designer for the artwork. Kim Harding, chairwoman of the Northern Dales Richard III Group, said: “Richard loved this building and gave generously to improve it.
“Rachel has considerable experience in designing works of art for heritage buildings and we’re excited to be working with one of the UK’s foremost glass artists in creating windows that celebrate Richard’s connections to and love of the north.
“We hope ‘Windows for the King’ will reflect everything that Richard hoped for in his planning Collegiate church here.”
The project is estimated to cost £30,000.
An online appeal has already raised more than £7,000 in donations.
Anyone wishing to contribute can visit www.stewardship.org.uk/pages/windowsfortheking.
