Above the Chapel Gates ~ The Triforium Windows

Saint Patrick (c. 389-461)  Dressed in a cope, Archbishop's pallium, and mitre. He holds a book and crozier. Over his head is the shamrock, at his feet a snake. Two of the many legends about Patrick are depicted in the window. The shamrock over his head is supposed to have been used to explain the doctrine of the Trinity and the snake at his feet refers to his supposed expelling of the snakes from Ireland. British by birth, Patrick was the son of a deacon and grandson of a priest. While still a boy he was captured by Irish pirates and for six years he was enslaved, working as a herdsman in Ireland. He used the time to pray in contrast to his earlier life when he was indifferent to religion. He either was freed or escaped and after many adventures, including near starvation, he returned to his family. He received some formal training for the priesthood, went to Gaul where he was ordained. He felt called to preach Christ to the "wild Irish," and having been consecrated bishop, went to Ireland about 435, following Palladius whom the Pope had sent as the first bishop to the Irish. He established his see at Armagh and from there made many missionary journeys.

Saint Alban (d. 304) First martyr of England. He is bearing a tall cross; also a sword, the emblem of his martyrdom. On his head is a square cap and by his left foot, a fountain. It is said that while yet a pagan he sheltered in his house a priest who was fleeing from persecution. He was converted by the example of his Christian guest and when the soldiers were sent to search his house he dressed in the priest's clothes to enable him to escape. Alban was seized, refused to offer sacrifice at the Roman altar, remained steadfast despite a scourging, and was condemned to death. One executioner was converted and Alban was beheaded by another. Before his death he prayed that God would give him water "and immediately a living spring broke out before his feet." (Bede, Ecceles. History) The fountain by his left foot in the window reflects this legend. The date of his martyrdom has been thought to be during the persecution by Diocletian.

Saint Cuthbert (c. 634-687) He is in the attitude of preaching. Over his head are shafts of light, symbolizing his vision of Saint Aidan; at his feet a lamb recalls his early occupation of shepherd. A person of extraordinary charm and great ability, Cuthbert became Northern England's most popular saint. A shephard for a while and famous for his holiness and his gifts of preaching and teaching, he was named Bishop of Lindisfarne in 685, and on his death, was buried there two years later. When eleven years later his body was placed in a new shrine, it had not decomposed and this led to its becoming an object of special veneration. Later when the Vikings destroyed Lindisfarne in 875, members of the community traveled around in the wilderness carrying the shrine with his remains, seeking a safe home for them.