12th Century Windsor Parish Church- a Spiritual Trail
Since ancient times, across borders of religions and continents the festivities seem to have spiritual and mystical alignments to the winter months. The ‘Time-wheel’ seems to carry the festive season that turns towards December and the scintillating sounds and lights of Christmas, Churches, Christmas Trees and Gifts celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is a worldwide soon to be followed by the New Year!
Windsor Parish Church- a Recall
Crown lights Christmas decoration outside the Church as the Queen spent her most of time in Windsor
This Christmas I recall my visit to Windsor the historic town in England that has unlimited attractions from the majestic Windsor castle, a home to the Royals, to the Boat cruises on ancient River Thames filled with snowy swans, carrying hundreds of tales & stories in its flow. Then there is the simple yet regal looking 12th century Windsor Parish Church on the High street, near the Castle standing grandly for more than 900 years now. Whenever I passed it, the outside signage attracted attention-
The Church Welcomes people of all faiths
And people of none
All races
All genders….
All nationalities…..
All are welcome in
This place of prayer
Historical Brush
The magnetism to explore the exhibits & antiques of the 12th century Church was another lure as we climbed up the few stone steps to enter the almost1000 years old Windsor Parish Church of Saint John the Baptist. Gazing at the beautiful painting of a medieval Church with triple red roofs and people outside I trod into the Time machine to step into the year 1110 AD when King Henry-I moved court into the newly built Windsor castle and people started settling down around the Castle for trade and work. Subsequently the Church of Saint John the Baptist was built for the Windsor residents which had good ties with the King and Castle throughout!
Centuries Old Church to the New Church
Before I move ahead to explore the Windsor Parish Church; I must add that I was visiting the ‘new Church” dated early 19th century, recreated from the ‘Old Church’ that was beyond repair. We came across a fine Wash-Drawing of the Old Parish Church, the architectural design of the proposed grand ‘New Church’ and finally a little toned down version that was lastly built but still so imposing.
The beautifully carved stone Font set upon the intricate patterned floor
We decided to look for the monuments and memorials removed from the ‘Old Church’ and fitted here, alongwith ‘gifts’ from the Royals of Windsor castle! Additionally, the Walls & Floor plan was followed from the medieval Church & the old Vaults below!
Parish Church & Shakespeare
Shakespeare at Windsor-Merry Wives of Windsor and the Parish Church
When in the Porch we had passed striking glass doors patterned with special Lion and Floral Cross design and a Bust by P G Scheemakers who are well known for sculpting Shakespeare’s memorial Bust in Westminster Abbey too! Shakespeare stayed for some time in the Garter Inn opposite the Church from where we had crossed the road earlier. That set me wondering if Shakespeare had visited the Church whilst he wrote the famed comedy-play ‘Merry Wives of Windsor’ right here, set in Windsor locations for no less than Queen Elizabeth-I !
Also, we were going to look out for the 1580 AD, Hatchment-memorial plaque of 3 times Mayor of Windsor Richard Gallis- the host of the Garter Inn. It is believed that his personality may have inspired Shakespeare when he created the main character Falstaff in his play, The Merry Wives of Windsor!!
Greetings in several languages at the entrance of the medieval Windsor Parish Church
Next we came upon a wooden rack displaying Greetings in more than 20 languages including Hindi and Urdu! We passed a large engraved black stone framed tomb-plaque from 1666 that had been part of the ‘Old- Church’; to come upon the original stone carved Church-Font where children are baptised- a Christian ceremony to welcome the child to this world.
17th century Tomb plaque displayed on a wall of the Church -an original part of the ‘Old Church’
Distressing Times
Walking down the Nave – the central Aisle, I recalled that I was treading a very historic path which had seen a lot in the past from the turmoil caused by King Henry the 8th’s, Order of Dissolution of Monasteries and Reformation of Churches in 1530’s, to the later Civil War leading to the shocking execution of King Charles-I in 1649!! Charles I burial is recorded in the Parish register which is a mystery that often leads to speculation of a secret funeral here in this Church before being laid to rest at the Royal family’s Saint George’s Chapel inside Windsor Castle.
More Discoveries in the Church
Walking down the Aisle towards the Altar we looked at our Direction- brochure that pointed to the Mayor’s pew, so named as it was a special seating area for the Mayors of Windsor. Up ahead is the quiet Prayer Corner where I lit a candle to add to the millions of wishes already made by others, with trust and confidence! On our right was the eagle shaped Brass Lectern- with a sloping top from where the Preacher reads the Holy Bible aloud.
The North West view of the Windsor Castle 1817 near which lies the early 12th century Windsor Parish Church
We moved on, spotting a tall Music organ, caught a view of the Royal Pews- Throne like seats, and the ethereal Altar with the backdrop of the beautiful Stained glass windows & Mosaics through which sunlight engulfed the Altar area.
Writer at the River Thames bridge below the Windsor Castle and Windsor Parish Church close to it.
We resisted the temptation to turn around to view the famous Last Supper painting eagerly awaiting to catch the Altar-view first! We were so impressed with preservation of the almost 1000 years old Windsor Parish Church which is not just a place of worship today but a tourist attraction too!!
Writer outside the almost 1000 years old Windsor Parish Church reconstructed along the ‘Old medieval Church’
Photo Courtesy: Mr. Arvind Chopra