With all of the royal movement and shifting in 2020, I thought that I would find a positive for the modern royal family in my historical wanderings. And not shockingly, I had quite a few to choose from. Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in 1952, and has now celebrated her Silver, Golden, and Diamond Jubilees. Queen Victoria is the only other British monarch to achieve this. And Southwark Cathedral has a stunning tribute to Her Majesty. The Diamond Jubilee Window in Southwark Cathedral isn’t the most ostentatious tribute, but is meaningful nevertheless.
Southwark Cathedral always seems to be left out when discussing London highlights, but I think it quietly holds its own. It is soaring and impressive like many cathedrals; you truly get the feeling that it is at the heart of a community, though. If you find yourself in the cathedral, take the time to wander down to the Retrochoir behind the altar screen. This window is tucked on the side, but will grab your attention once you notice it…
The Diamond Jubilee window in Southwark Cathedral is quite different from the other stained glass windows in the cathedral. It is vibrant and fluid and stunning in person. And if you can’t read that text there, it states: “Vivat Regina!| Defender of the Faith | Diamond Jubilee 2012”. I went digging to find more information on it, and the BBC came through! The window was designed by Icelandic artist Leifur Breidfjord, who won a competition. The Glaziers Company is the philanthropic arm of the Worshipful Company of Glazier, and paid for the window. (The Guild has existed in some form since 1328, but is only a charity now.) All in all, I think it is quite a fitting tribute for the Diamond Jubilee.
Have you seen the Diamond Jubilee Window in Southwark Cathedral? Or any other Diamond Jubilee markers?
Cheers,
The Historian
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