Wanstead Infant Orphan Asylum Memorial Windows

Wanstead Infant Orphan Asylum Windows. Photo by Redbridge Museum.
Wanstead Infant Orphan Asylum Windows. Photo by Redbridge Museum., Wanstead Infant Orphan Asylum Windows. Photo by Redbridge Museum., Wanstead Infant Orphan Asylum Windows. Photo by Redbridge Museum.
Address 
Snaresbrook Crown Court
Hollybush Hill
Wanstead
RDB
E11 1QW

The four stained glass chancel windows in the chapel at Snaresbrook Crown Court are dedicated to the memory of former pupils of the Infant Orphan Asylum who died in the First World War. The dedication appears on a small metal plaque displayed on the wall to the left of the altar.

On the far left panel is an image of St. George, standing with a sword and holding his flag. The panel to the far right features an image of St. Nicholas who is holding a gold mace or staff. The two central panels depict the coming of Christ, who is holding the cross of St. George.

St. George, as the warrior patron saint of England, and St. Nicholas, known for charitable works for children (and the origin of Father Christmas) are an appropriate choice for the Infant Orphan Asylum.

Opened in 1843, the Infant Orphan Asylum in Wanstead was part of a charitable institution to care for orphaned children descended from so-called ‘respectable’ families, usually those from middle-class backgrounds who had fallen on hard times. The school was later renamed The Royal Wanstead School and closed in 1971. It is now Snaresbrook Crown Court.