Genealogical Stained Glass – The Ancestors of Jesus

A series of very old stained glass windows from Canterbury Cathedral representing the ancestors of Jesus Christ. Dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, these are some of the oldest examples of medieval glass in England. They have been removed from the south tower and placed on display to the public will renovations are taking place.

Due to the Dissolution of the Monasteries and the English Civil War – two periods of English history where many religious objects and art were destroyed in iconoclastic purges – there is very little undamaged stained glass remaining from the 17th century or earlier. These examples remain in such superb condition for two reasons; Firstly, the figures portrayed in the glass were not considered to be religious icons but simply biblical figures; Secondly, when not on display to the public they are situated high in Canterbury Cathedral’s Great South Window – and out of reach any would-be vandals of times past.