
Discover St Mary’s Church
7. West Window
The west window of St. Mary’s Church in Witney was installed in 1869. This stained glass window was a generous gift from Miss Rosa Raine of Woodstock, dedicated to the memory of her father, who served as the steward to the Duke of Marlborough at Blenheim Palace.
The window was crafted by William Wailes, a renowned stained glass artist from Newcastle. It depicts the biblical figure Joseph, known for his role as the faithful steward to Pharaoh in Egypt. The artwork is rich in detail, featuring elements such as camels, which add depth to the narrative and enhance the visual appeal.
This window is part of a broader restoration effort that took place between 1865 and 1869 under the direction of architect G.E. Street.
During this period, significant enhancements were made to the church’s structure and interior, including the addition of the clerestory windows and the splendid west window.