Roman Catholic Church of St Cedd & St Gregory, West Mersea. Stained glass window in the Lady Chapel.

This church was built in 1962 and has a fine panel of stained glass that was rescued from Langenhoe Church when it demolished in 1962. Presumably the panel must date after the Essex earthquake which severely damaged Langenhoe church and most probably any stained glass there. The panel, depicting the Virgin Mary and the infant Christ is now in the Lady Chapel of the church. It is typical of the late 19th century and would have almost certainly been part of a larger work. Sadly no record has come to light as to who made the glass but puzzling feature is the golden sphere which the Virgin holds in her right hand, the infant Christ is also touching it. This sphere may be a globe, the Virgin is often represented with this device in religious art. The panel can be compared with the central light at Layer Breton which depicts the same subject.
[ Chris Parkinson ]

Date: 2019