Fairford stained glass

Six smaller lights occupy the space at the apex of the gothic arched windows, usually displaying decorative features of angels, where the scenes below are supportive of the Christian faith, or of devils where opposed.

In 1642, during the Civil War, they narrowly avoided destruction[6] when the Roundhead army was marching on the nearby town of Cirencester.

It was customary at that time for cavalry of both sides to convert churches into temporary stables and barracks with little regard paid to the fabric of the buildings.

The more puritan elements amongst the Roundheads were opposed to the pre-Reformation's so-called idolatrous imagery, making it likely that the stained glass would be destroyed.

[7] However, on the quick-thinking order of William Oldysworth, the impropriator[8] (lessee) of the tithes of Fairford, the windows were hurriedly dismantled and the glass concealed before the troops arrived in the vicinity.