St Alban's Cathedral, Hertfordshire

Much of the stained glass is from the major late 19^th and early 20^th century studios, in particular Burlison & Grylls, while the dramatic west window is by Ninian Comper, 1925. From an earlier period are two panels in the north wall of the nave from Cologne, c.1520, while contemporary glass is represented by a vibrant south aisle window on the life of St Columba and the Virgin Mary by Caroline Benyon, 2004-6.

By the early 19^th century the fabric of the building was in a poor condition and required extensive restoration. Generally this has been under the care of a series of professional architect, including Sir George Gilbert Scott between 1856 and 1878. The exception was the forceful amateur architect, Lord Grimthorpe, who  is reputed to have spent £130,000 of his own money on various project, including, controversially, the restored west front. His golden wedding anniversary in 1895, is commemorated by a large four-light window in the south wall of the Lady Chapel. The window, from the Kempe Studio, is an early design by Lady Grimthorpe’s nephew, Herbert Bryans, who would later go on to establish his own successful studio.