Wiggenhall Church St Mary Magdalen Stained glass Norfolk

St Mary Magdalen Church is situated in the middle of Wiggenhall and is listed by Simon Jenkins’ as being one of England’s thousand best churches whose “atmosphere derives from its lofty proportions, lightness and profuse woodwork” Luckily it escaped a heavy Victorian restoration and retains a range of medieval features including : painted panels, pews and an aumbry and panels of stained glass, probably dating from the 15th century.

The glass is unusual in that it includes depictions of largely unknown saints including : St Callistus, St Britius, St Leger & St Romanus.  David King suggests that the selection of saints is based upon those listed in the Litanies of the Sarum Breviary. The Sarum Rite was popular in the 15th century and the representations of the saints would have provided an illustration of the litany. It is believed that the glass would have provided the focus for the prayers of the congregation whilst it was being sung. It was originally restored in 1924/5 by Samuel Cladwell, who was responsible for the medieval glass in Canterbury Cathedral. (Details extracted from Church Guide Book)

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