Stained Glass of Percy Bacon & Brothers

Monkton, Priory Church of St Nicholas & St John

Pembrokeshire

The north chapel of the Priory Church at Monkton contains three windows gifted by the Freemasons, and forms a unified theme drawing upon the story of the building of Solomon's Temple. The characters depicted and the symbolism of the windows is directly associated with Freemasonry. Only one of the windows (Hiram A, and Hiram K) is signed but the style of all the windows clearly indicates the same hand at work. Whose hand actually painted the windows is open to debate. There are some similarities with the style of the figurative work in two other windows in the south of the nave, both by Robert J. Newbery, installed in 1920 (Ss Alban and David, and Ss Nicholas and John). It is therefore possible that Newbery was also the artist responsible for painting the north chapel windows, though as yet no evidence has come to light to corroborate this theory. Newbery, a direct contemporary of Percy Bacon, had his studio in Fitzroy Square, less than a mile from Bacon's studio in Newman Street. It is inconceivable that there was no collaboration between the two, and it is very possible that Newbery received commissions to execute Bacon's designs.

Posted 15 April 2023.

All the windows in the north chapel were given by the Freemasons and are full of symbolism associated with freemasonry.The east window is of three lights, the centre light depicting the standing figure of Solomon holding a model of his temple. In the outer lights stand two other figures in priestly dress, identified only as "H" and "Ga", who may represent the many architects sent by Hiram, King of Tyre to assist with the building of the temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings). They all stand on pedestals under elaborate niches with tools of the mason's trade on shields; Under "H"; a pair of dividers and a square. Under Solomon, and held by red-winged angels a trowel. Under "Ga" a plumb-line or clinometer. These may allude to the song sung in one of the degree ceremonies, "There is no more occasion; For level or plumb-line; For trowel or gavel; For compass or square".¹ In the outer lights a red winged angel stands atop each niche, arms outstretched, palms turned outwards in a welcoming gesture. Above the outer figures words on banners read: Left, "in the Lord is all our trust" and right; "by hammer and hand all craftes doe stand" [sic]. This may be a reference to the Blacksmith's Song, composed by Moses Kipling, in 1828; it is sung every year at the Worshipful Company of Blacksmith's Banquet in Mansion House,² though the word used in that song is "arts" not "crafts".

In the tracery, demi-angels hold shields on which: Left; an open book with the words, "Blessed is the Lord our God of Israel", and right; a mason's mallet and chisel.

At the base of the central light a simple dedication: "This window is the gift of the Freemasons".

The window is unsigned.

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Posted 15 April 2023.

The window represents the figures of Hiram Abiff, Grand Master Builder of Solomon's Temple, and Hiram, King of Tyre. The latter, according to the Book of Kings gave his friend Solomon the architects and master masons to build his temple. The character of Abiff is presented as the central character in an allegory to candidates during the Third Degree of Freemasonry ceremony.³ He holds an artist's palette and paint brushes. Above him a banner reads, "I have laid the foundations and another buildeth therefrom". The figure of Hiram King of Tyre holds a statue of an angel and a sculpting knife. Above him the banner reads, "Blessed by the Lord God of Israel that made Heaven and Earth". This is recited during the freemason's ceremony to elevate candidates to the "Most Excellent Master or Sixth Degree".⁴

In the tracery further symbols of Freemasonry, a square, and two types of plumb-line or clinometer, possibly alluding to the three tools used by Hiram Abiff's three assailants, or representing the three blows received by Christ; the blow on the cheek, the flagellation and the wound created by the spear at his crucifixion.⁵ These are also badges of rank held by Master, Senior Warden, and Junior Warden in the masonic tradition.

The window is signed PERCY BACON B^ROS. 11 NEWMAN S^T. LONDON." It is the only window of the three in the north chapel which is signed.

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Posted 15 April 2023.

In 1 Kings, Boaz and Jachim are the names of the two copper or bronze pillars erected at the entrance to Solomon's Temple. In freemasonry, the left pillar (Boaz) represents strength, and Jachim to the right, denotes establishment. This alludes to the passage in 1 Kings, and means "In strength shall this house be established".⁶ These pillars are referred to in the Second Degree ceremony.

Bacon has chosen to represent the verses by high priests of Israel holding models of the two pillars. The figure on the left holds a sickle, and above him quoting 1 Kings 7:21 the banner reads, "He set up the left pillar and called the name Boaz". The priest on the right holds a staff with the words above completing the quotation, "He set up the left pillar and called the name therefof Jachim". In the tracery, more freemason's symbols representing the three blows to Christ; a hammer, chisel and rule.

The window is unsigned.

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Posted 16 April 2023.

Unusually, the tower of Monkton Priory Church is located at the junction of nave and chancel, and on the south side. Internally the base of the tower acts as a south transept. In each light a standing figure representing each of the four evangelists with their symbols at their feet. In the lower tracery Alpha and Omega symbols and at the top an unidentified coat of arms with the motto "Frangas non Flectes", presumably that of the dedicatee.

The window is unsigned.

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References and Notes: Use your browser's Back button to return to text.

1. Duncan, Malcolm C. Duncan's masonic ritual and monitor; or, Guide to the three symbolic degrees of the Ancient York rite, and to the degrees of Mark master, Past master, Most excellent master, and the Royal arch. 1946. p210.
2. The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths' website..
3. Duncan, Malcolm C. Duncan's masonic ritual and monitor; or, Guide to the three symbolic degrees of the Ancient York rite, and to the degrees of Mark master, Past master, Most excellent master, and the Royal arch. 1946. p87.
4. ibid. p213.
5. ibid. p147.
6. ibid. p73.

Notes:

1. For more on the symbols of the freemasons and there meanings, see here.
2. For more on the history of Monkton Priory Church click here.