A Guide to St. Edward’s Church – North Aisle

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This window is placed on the right hand side, above the north aisle, at the front of the nave. It contains three lights which symbolise the cardinal virtues of faith, hope and charity . The central light (charity) is of Jesus, with a gold cruciform halo, his arms are open and he is displaying his sacred heart. The left hand light (faith) pictures a small sailing boat on stormy waters. A ship symbolizes the Church. Although the church can pass through stormy times we should remember that Jesus calmed the waters at the Sea of Galilee and this should help bolster our faith during times of trouble. The right hand light (hope) displays a fish, wrapped around an anchor with a background of light rays. The fish represents Jesus and the anchor is a traditional symbol of the hope of salvation and of eternal life.

This window is located on the right hand side, above the north aisle, at the centre of the nave. It contains three lights. The central light is of Madonna and Child, both have golden and white cruciform halos. The left hand light pictures three nails piercing a crown of thorns, this symbolizes the crucifixion. The right hand light pictures a hammer and pincers on top of rays of light in the form of a (Greek) cross. The hammer is a symbol of the Passion of Our Lord. Pincers are traditionally used to indicate martyrdom. Nails have been driven into the position on the cross where Jesus’ hands and feet would have been located.

This window can be seen on the right hand side, above the north aisle, at the rear of the nave. It contains three lights. The central light is of Jesus, arms open, displaying his sacred heart and with a golden and white cruciform halo. The left hand light pictures the lamb and flag, that is, Agnus Dei, or Lamb of God. The lamb has Jesus’ cruciform halo, its leg wraps around the base of a white flag with a red cross (English flag) and is bearing it in victory. This is a representation of Jesus, the sacrifice, who has triumphed. The right hand light pictures an open book against a background of cross and rays of light. The left hand page bears the inscription “Pater Noster”, the right hand page bears a picture of a (Greek) cross on Communion bread on top of a head of wheat.

At the beginning of the Second World War three London schools were evacuated to Kettering and remained there for the duration of the war. These windows in the north aisle (right hand side) were donated by staff from each school. The window at the front of the north aisle carries the badge of St. Aloysius Convent Grammar School, Euston. Its motto reads “quodcumque faciendum facias fortiter” (Whatever your duty, put your heart into it) The window central to the north aisle carries the badge of Bartrams Convent School, Hampstead. Its motto reads “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful). The window to the rear of the north aisle carries the badge of St. Dominic’s Infant School, Kentish Town. Its motto reads “Veritas” (Truth).