Stained Glass Appreciation

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Within easy reach of our Cotswolds base lies an unrivalled collection of glass from all ages. From the original purpose of an expression of faith to more recent times where they were more often made to commemorate a notable person or group from the community, they all share a remarkable beauty and are linked both to their architectural setting and to the light of the sky beyond.

Holiday highlights:

• Highnam Church, built by Thomas Gambier Parry, father of the composer. This church is highly decorated inside with wall paintings and ecclesiastical furniture, with glass by William Wailes and Hardmans of Birmingham
• Gloucester Cathedral, where we will have a guided tour, emphasising particularly the great medieval east window and the beautiful glass in the Lady Chapel. Afterwards we will have time to visit an exhibition in the Gallery, allowing us to get close to and examine in detail the serried ranks of figures in the east window
• Fairford Church where we admire their almost complete medieval cycle of windows, dating from around 1400, the gift of a family of rich wool merchants
• Oxford where the city churches and the chapels of the University Colleges are very rich in glass from almost all periods. We will see glass from many different periods and artists. Amongst others we could include Harris Manchester chapel, Merton College chapel and Oxford Cathedral
• Additionally there will be evening talks to supplement this daytime excursion programme

What’s included:

• Three full-day coach excursions with all admissions to places of interest included
• A knowledgeable leader accompanies the tour
• Comfortable en-suite bedrooms at our 4-star Country House
• Full Board accommodation with all meals included