The Ascension

Also known as the Burton window, this dates from 1876 and is dedicated to members of local families the Burtons and Hawkings as follows:

‘In memory of Robert and Mary Burton of Linton-upon-Ouse. Erected 1876AD by Henry Burton to the glory of God and in memory of his wife; also of William Henry and 6 children who died in infancy.’

The dedication at the bottom of the right hand light reads:

‘In memory of John and Ann Hawking.’

The window represents the biblical account of Jesus raising his hands to bless the disciples and then ascending to heaven. This took place at Bethany several weeks after his Resurrection. Jesus’ hand gesture with his first two fingers and thumb pointing and last two fingers closed is a sign of blessing and the three open digits have also come to represent the Trinity. If you look at Jesus’ left foot you can see that the wound from where he was nailed to the cross and his identity is also confirmed by his cruciform halo.

The halos surrounding those at Jesus’ feet identify them as saints and at least some can be recognised. The lady at the back on the right hand side is most likely the Virgin Mary who was with the disciples for the Ascension. The figure at the front in red can be identified as Saint John by his clean-shaven and youthful appearance. To his left in the blue the bald head points to that gentleman being Saint Peter. The figures behind them are harder to identify but the somewhat messy hair and beard of the figure on the centre right could well be Saint Andrew.