“Behold in these poor persons the treasures which I promised to show you.”

 

St Laurence of Rome

 

The East Window

      The Martyrdom of St Laurence

2. St Laurence faces the Prefect Decius who is seated on a throne and surrounded by his counsellors and soldiers, all richly clothed. Decius holds a sceptre surmounted by the figure of a Roman God;

3. Beneath this group is the end of the procession of the poor, who are crowded in carts. Among them, walking at the head, the poor workers carrying the tools of their trades, a daughter supporting her ailing father, a family, a youth leading a blind man, a lame beggar being helped, and finally an aged couple;

4. At the base of the centre lights is the Priory Church of St Laurence, Snaith, the background formed from the emblems of St Laurence;

5. On either side of St Laurence are two angels holding palm leaves, more emblems of his martyrdom. These angels are a link with the glory of heaven in the tracery above;

6. Two Archangels hold flaming swords, another two carry the orbs bearing the signature of Christ as ministers of God;

7. Above is a tier of Cherubim in blue, the colour of wisdom. The central two, supporting the Cross of the Passion, are green, the colour of earth;

8. Above these are Seraphim depicted in red, the colour of love, hands raised in praise to:

9. The Lamb of God upon the Heavenly Throne, holding the Cross of Triumph;

10. In the spreading rays of glory is Christus Victor;

11. On either side of the Lamb, symbol of the Triumph of Martyrdom, are Alpha and Omega – the Beginning and the End.

Closeup of top panels