Historic Prees church window of 'national significance' at risk
A national treasure, which is to be found on our doorstep in St Chad’s Church Prees, is in danger. The Battlefield Window was part of the original Battlefield Church, built by Henry IV in the early 1400s, but was re-installed in Prees in Victorian times.
The amazing window was created by the great glass artists of all times, John Thornton, who was responsible for one of the most important windows in the world – the Great East Window at York Minster.
Unfortunately, the Prees window is desperate for conservation before it is lost. There is an algae infestation which is covering much of the glass, and the stonework is now in such a poor state around the window that it may not hold it in place for many more years.
St Chad’s is starting the huge job of raising the funds to conserve this window, said by experts to be ‘of national significance’. They are planning a number of exciting events, including stained glass workshops with people of all ages from the village.
An information evening to hear more about the window and to find out how to help will be held on Saturday, 23 November at 6pm in St Chad’s. For more information email pewchurches@gmail.com or call 07761 325588.
