The Royal Window (c. 1485) at Canterbury Cathedral and the Magnificat Window (c. 1500) at Great Malvern Priory (Worcs.): Dynastic Rivalry in Late Medieval England?

Late medieval stained glass windows at Canterbury Cathedral and Great Malvern Priory, initially interpreted as symbols of dynastic rivalry during England's Wars of the Roses, reveal a more nuanced narrative about royal authority. The Royal Window (c. 1485) in Canterbury and the Magnificat Window (c. 1500) in Great Malvern share striking iconographic parallels, suggesting these artworks served as complex expressions of political legitimacy rather than mere propaganda. The study analyzes their visual elements to argue that both windows reflect broader concerns about the nature of kingship during a period marked by succession disputes and shifting dynastic loyalties.

Scott, H. G. (2017). The Royal Window (c. 1485) at Canterbury Cathedral and the Magnificat Window (c. 1500) at Great Malvern Priory (Worcs.): Dynastic Rivalry in Late Medieval England? Medieval Art, Architecture & Archaeology at CANTERBURY, 230–244. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315091273-14