The Corpus of Percy Bacon & Brothers

St Peter & St Paul, Wingrave

This church was heavily "restored" in 1887-1889¹ and 1898-1901, more a wholesale modification with the addition of south transept, rebuilt tower, vestry etc. Little of the 12th century chancel remains. The nave is 14th century. The extent of these modification can be seen in before and after photographs published in the Journal of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1913.² There is a fine screen.

Posted 03 June 2022.

North Chancel: Nativity.

South Chancel: Crucifixion Scene

On the north side of the chancel, a two light window with glass depicting the nativity; in the left light St Joseph depicted as shepherd with lambs at his feet and holding a lantern, and in the right, the Virgin and Child. The window is signed, "Percy Bacon Bros, 11 newman St London W". The window is undated and there is no dedication, but given the stylistic similarities in the canopy work, it is possible this was installed at the same time as the window in the south of the chancel, i.e. 1908.

South Chancel; Blessed Virgin Mary.

South Chancel; The Crucified Jesus.

South Chancel; St John.

South Chancel; Tracery.

South Chancel: Crucifixion Scene

This window of three lights replaced an earlier square headed window during the 1887 restoration. It is a crucifixion scene with St Mary and St John; in the lower tracery arma Christi and in the upper, Angels holding scrolls ("Behold the Lamb of God | Which taketh away the sins of the world"). The window is signed "Percy Bacon Bros, 11 Newman St, London, W".

The brass plate below bears the inscription "To the Glory of God. loving memory of William Russell Stewart-Freeman, J.P., D L., born Oct. 15th, 1549, died July 10th, 1907. This window is erected by his loving wife³."

1. Bucks Herald - Saturday 04 May 1889, p5: Report on reopening of the church after restoration.
2. Journal of the Royal Institute of British Architects; Vol 21, Iss 4, 20 Dec 1913. p114.
3. Westminster Gazette - Monday 15 July 1907, p1: Report of William Stewart-Freeman's funeral at Wingrave Church.