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St Wilfrid is also depicted in two painted panels: HEXAB133.7 & HEXAB202.3 (& possibly HEXAB3068.1), and in other windows: HEXAB1406, HEXAB1407.5, HEXAB1417, HEXAB1431.3 (twice), & HEXAB1431.4
The window commemorates the rebuilding of the nave. The three-light window represents incidents connected with the life of St Etheldreda. Each light has tabernacle work above in the 15th-century style.
1. Her marriage to Ecgfrid. It incorporates three small pieces of Roman glass from Corbridge: the largest is a white buckle on the the shoulder of King Ecgfrid, the second is a small yellow piece on the belt holding the scabbard, near the King's forearm, the smallest piece resembles a brooch on the breast of the Queen.
2. Renouncing her crown and taking the veil and habit from Bishop Wilfrid to become a nun at Coldingham under her aunt Ebbe.
3. Her miraculous appearance to one of her followers in prison after her death.
Memorial Inscription across the bottom of the three lights:
Alex. Walker (fl. 1896–1929) was a freelance Art-Nouveau designer based in Glasgow. The Davidson and Walker is unique in being fully signed by Alex Walker, of Glasgow (but the window was made in Newcastle). A sketch [HEXAB3202], presumably by Alex Walker, shows more figures and more detail than the finished version.
‘A new stained-glass window, designed and executed by Messrs. Davidson & Walker, Newcastle, has been placed in Hexham Abbey. The window is of interest inasmuch as it contains some glass dug up this summer at the excavations at Corstopitum, near Hexham. The window is intended to commemorate the completion of the rebuilding of the nave.’ [The Builder 18 Dec 1909 Vol.97 p.680]
Unveiled Christmas Sunday, 26th December 1909 by the Bishop of Newcastle.
7 Aug 1971: “An intruder broke in through the Westernmost Light of the ‘Savage’ Window. This included 2 of the pieces of Roman glass which were subsequently found intact by the Verger (Geo. Trayhurn). [Churchwardens Record HEXAB9535 p22]
Smashed during a break-in discovered 7th August 1971. “c) Building Committee Report (i) The Rector reported the ‘Savage’ window was now repaired. Mr Mason … suggested we consider fitting wire guards. – Mr Knell commented that guards case damage to the stonework but nevertheless have much to commend them. The recent window cost over £200 to repair. Mr Knell seconded the proposal put by Mr Mason that he should get estimates for the fitting of wire guards for the 3 stained-glass windows in the Nave. This was agreed.” [PCC Min. 2/11/1971 p.85]
26 July 1992: “N Nave aisle E window and N transept aisle N window repaired following vandalism.” [Churchwardens Record HEXAB9535 p69]
14 Nov 1992: “St Wilfrid window – E end – repaired following vandalism.” [Churchwardens Record HEXAB9535 p69]
The window is one of five at Hexham of specific interest designated by The Council for the Care of Churches in 1995. The grounds of selection were artistic and technical, including, in some cases, the materials themselves.
1996: The window N16 (was no. W.28), was protected with Lexan 6 mm polycarbonate by B & R Glazing Co Ltd in June 1996 [Faculty reg. no.4, Faculty no 4762, granted 26 Jan 1996]
2011/2012: All the polycarbonate protection was removed and wire guards fitted by H&R Developments, Caulkerbush, Dumfries in Oct–Nov 2011 and Jan 2012. [Faculty dated 26 July 2011]
1909, 21 July. 2) To fill the three light window in the East end of the Nave Aisle with stained glass. Faculty application. NRO Faculty Book No. 1, no.356 and NRO EP.184/80.
EP 184/128 (1940) Notes and photocopy of drawing of the Savage Window. Also notes re Window, 1968.
