Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate, York

York is one of the richest cities for medieval stained glass. This church feels like an oasis of calm amidst the bustle of York’s medieval streets, and should be sought out if you’re looking to get away from the large numbers of tourists and hen and stag parties. Tucked away just behind two of the main shopping streets you’ll find a beautiful churchyard with this gem of a church nestled in. A dark and uneven space, make your way to the east end to discover the stunning window made in c.1470. The window was given by Rev. John Walker, rector of the church, whose donor figure crouches in the window.

This five-light window depicts a number of large figures with smaller figures below. St George and St John the Baptist are on the left, with St John the Evangelist and St Christopher on the right. In the centre is the Holy Trinity, with Christ supported by God the Father, with the dove of the Holy Spirit at his head. Below the Trinity is the crowning of the Virgin Mary by the Trinity. These were both controversial subjects following the Reformation, and though there is damage, particularly to the heads, that they survive at all is remarkable. The St Christopher is particularly interesting for understanding the York school of glass, as despite the Holy Trinity, Goodramgate window being at least seventy years older than the window in All Saints, North Street, they were evidently made from the same cartoon. The figures of St Christopher, St George and the Trinity are thought to refer to the York guilds of those saints and Corpus Christi. The two Saint John figures can relate to the donor, Rev. John Walker.

Though there have been many repairs to this window, in some ways these have increased its interest! With many gaps plugged with glass from elsewhere it is a great joy to find all the small details, with small painted landscapes and other narrative scenes from later glass dotted all around.