St James 
West Tilbury, Essex    
© Nigel Anderson - St James Trust

West Tower Window

The spectacular window in the West Tower shows a scene of Jesus. The window was dedicated to George Burness “To the Glory of God and in loving memory of George Richard Burness, Lord of he Manor West Tilbury who died 17th January 1925 aged 89. This window is dedicated by his son Walter Burness” The window was made by James Powell & Sons (order book reference 25/197). The distinctive makers mark of a Whitefriar, is positioned at the bottom right corner of the window The top of the window is crowned with an elaborate picture containing a winged horse ontop of a helm mounted on a shield with the narrative “Perseverantia Vincit” of which the literal Latin translation is Perseverance succeeds [overcomes or conquers]. The main window is made up of three lights with the narrative: “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest” This is a direct quotation which is taken from Matthew 11:28. The centre light depicts Jesus welcoming with open arms all that have come to him. Of note is the detailed depiction of the city in the background. Notes from the James Powell & Sons Order Book Order Book Reference AAD/1977/1/25 (page 197) – (Ref 2) Vicar: Rev J.R. Fellows Order: 6602 Date: 16/11/25 W. Burness, 138 Leaden Hall Street, EC3 Parish Church: West Tilbury Details: 3/Lt West Window Subject: “Come unto Me” Figure of Our Lord in centre light On either side groups of people (mother & child, blind man, and lame man). “Crucifixion” in base of centre light Text: “I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto Me” Tracery contains emblems of “Faith” & “Hope” Memorial Inscription in bases of lights “To the Glory of God and in loving memory of George Richard Burness Lord of the Manor of West Tilbury who died 17th January 1925 Aged 89. This window is dedicated by his son Walter Burness” Price £265 Further Notes The designer of the left light has been identified as Read, the centre light as Penwarden and the right light also as Penwarden. W. Read joined Whitefriars in 1885 as a draughtsman. He was paid 30/- per week in 1893 and continued in the studio until 1932. He was also a prolific cartoonist. E. Penwarden (c.1868 – after 1930) joined Whitefriars in 1885 at a weekly wage of 15/-. He was working in the studio by 1883 and by 1913 he and Coakes were the highest paid members of staff.