Henry Gyles, south window, Freschville Chapel (1676), Church of Saint John the Baptisit, Steveley, Derbyshire.

Photo: Peter Hildebrand

Henry Gyles, detail of the south window, Freschville Chapel (1676), Church of Saint John the Baptisit, Steveley, Derbyshire.

Photo: Peter Hildebrand

Church of St John the Baptist, Staveley, Derbyshire

Address

Church of St John the Baptist, Church Street, Staveley, Derbyshire S43 3TL

Recommended by

Clare Hartwell (10)

Highlight

South window, Frescheville Chapel

Artist, maker and date

Henry Gyles, 1676

Reason for highlighting

Henry Gyles of York was commissioned to create this heraldic window by John, 1st Baron Frescheville of Staveley and governor of York. It forms part of an ensemble in the chapel which contains Frescheville tomb monuments.

Executed in enamel and yellow stain, it is a delightful piece, bumptious and vividly baroque in style with chubby putti and winged supporters surrounding the lush mantling and coats of arms. At the base a fat-faced cherub with outspread wings is a motif found in many of Gyles’s windows. The Frescheville achievement appears in the central light and the side lights contain cartouches of arms relating to his family and marriages. Full details of the heraldry can be found in J.T. Brighton’s study (below), but an understanding of this is not necessary for the enjoyment and appreciation of this characterful window.

Other comments

A late 19th century Annunciation window in the chapel incorporates early 14th century roundels. Elsewhere, good glass by Harry Stammers, F. Sydney Eden and others.

Artist/maker notes

Henry Gyles (c. 1645-1709), was the most important glass painter of the second half of the 17th century in England. He has been credited with ensuring the survival of glass painting in the country during the period. This window is one of the largest of his works to survive, and arguably the most important example of his armorial work.

Source: J. T. Brighton, ‘Henry Gyles, virtuoso and glass painter of York, 1645–1709’, York Historian, No. 4 (1984), 1–62

Highlighted dates at this location

1676 (Go to date search)