SD8706 : The Boer Window (detail)
taken 11 years ago, near to Middleton, Rochdale, England
St Leonard’s Parish Church in Middleton is a Grade I listed building (English Heritage ID: 213457 Link British Listed Buildings).
Much of the present building was erected in 1412 byThomas Langley (born in Middleton in 1363) who served as Bishop of Durham and Lord Chancellor of England. He re-used the Norman doorway from an earlier structure to create the tower arch. The church was completed in 1524 by Sir Richard Assheton, in celebration of the knighthood granted to him by Henry VIII for his part in the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513. As well as hanging his armour in the family chapel, he also rebuilt and enlarged the church and erected a stained glass window, depicting the archers in kneeling positions with their names written along their bows as well as Sir Richard and his wife. The Flodden Window, now moved to the sanctuary, is thought to be the World’s oldest war memorial (Link Manchester Evening News). It is said to be one of the best known pieces of stained glass in the country and as such is now a protected national monument.