Few parish
churches are fortunate enough to have a Lady Chapel at the cast end,
according to old custom in England. Provision was made for it in the
original designs for the church, but it was hardly thought likely to
be realised in a generation. Thanks to the generosity of Sir William
Nicholson and his family, Mr Leslie Moore was able, in 1935, to
"amplify the original conception and bring to bear the same
sympathetic and faithful handling which he had already shown in the
transept and north porch, which were due to him in 1928. It is only
a small building, but full of interest. The ingenious plan, the
sturdy exterior, the graceful interior with its narrow aisles and
skilful treatment of the vaulting, are alike excellent. Outside, the
extra length gives balance to the whole. Inside the effect of light
and space seen through the three arches behind the High Altar
increases the feeling of size." (Mr S. E. Dykes Bower in the
"Architect " for July, 1935).
The visitor, and still more the worshipper, cannot fail to be
impressed by the beauty and sense of reverence which this chapel,
like the rest of the church, conveys. The Blessed Sacrament is
perpetually reserved in a very beautiful aumbry to the left of the
Altar. The beautifully carved Calvary above the Altar by Mr Alfred
Southwick, R.B.S. should be noted. The painting on the reredos is
exquisitely done, and S. Wilfrid's emblem has been cunningly
introduced by making the Nativity Star in the shape of a starfish.
The whole chapel is lighted from points which are hidden.
The lozenge-shaped or "vesica" window immediately above the Calvary
group has its counterpart at the topmost point above the great west
window. That at the west is what is called a "majesty," that is, a
figure of God the Father, seated and holding an orb, while that in
the Lady Chapel, in memory of Miss E. M. Swann, sister of the first
Vicar, represents Our Lady and Child, and can be seen from the west
through the central arch above the High Altar all down the central
passage of the nave. The special interest of this window is that the
Holy Child, instead of being seated on His Mother's knee, as is
usual, is pictured as standing, in an attitude of authority and
benediction. Creation and redemption are thus shown forth at the
opposite ends of the church.
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