Processional banners

We have six embroidered processional banners, which are carried at church festivals and certain special services. At other times, we usually display them either side of the high altar. Each one measures six feet six inches by three feet.

Banner of St Martin

Made from white silk brocade and embroidered in rich silks, this banner has designs of roses, thistles, shamrocks and leeks – and in the centre, a figure of St Martin on horseback, dividing his cloak with the beggar. It was designed by the Reverend E. E. Dorling, and presented in November 1921 by the Church Lads' Brigade as a memorial to those who died in the Great War. The Latin inscription on the reverse can be translated as, 'In eternal memory of members who recently so splendidly died in war for God, King and Country, the CLB gave this banner in 1921.

Banner of St Martin

Banner of Our Lady

This banner is made from blue and dark mauve brocaded silk damask, embroidered with rich silks depicting a wreath of red and white roses around the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child. Flanking them are St Peter, patron saint of the Abbey, and St Edward the Confessor, holding up his ring. The banner was presented on 4th November 1922 by the Girls' Friendly Society, and was designed by J Ninian Comper. The inscription reads, 'They died that freedom still should live, in life, O friends, as proudly give'.

Banner of Our Lady

Banner of St Peter

The Mothers' Union presented this banner, designed by J Ninian Comper, on 22nd June 1926. Made from blue and gold brocaded silk damask, it's embroidered in silks with a circle of white, edged with gold. Within this, you can see Christ holding a cross, standing on a green mound at the head of a flock of sheep, with St Peter kneeling for blessing in front. On the reverse is the inscription: "The Mothers' Union. The foundations of national glory are set in the homes of the people. They will only remain unshaken while the family life of our race and nation is strong, simple and pure. George R.I." [from a quote by King George V]

Banner of St Peter

Banner of St Oswald

This crimson and gold damask silk banner, embroidered in rich green silk, shows a figure of St Oswald, King of Northumbria, clad in armour with a surcoat of red and gold. With the inscription "All in One". It was presented in September 1938 by the Church of England Mens' Society. The initials C E M S are within the design and the name is also embroidered on the reverse.

Banner of St Oswald

Banner of St Edward the Confessor

Designed by Christopher Webb, this banner was presented in 1945 by Eulalie Buckmaster in memory of her father. The embroidery was done at the Royal School of Needlework. An inscription on a plate on the banner pole reads, 'In memory of Walter Selby Buckmaster October 16 1872: October 30 1942'. Made from gold cloth and embroidered in rich silks, it depicts a figure of St Edward the Confessor holding a model of the Abbey, which he built, and holding in his other hand a sceptre with his charter and seal of foundation. The design also includes the shields of arms of St Peter, St John the Evangelist, the Abbey monastery and the Collegiate Church, with the words Edwardus Fundator (Founder).

Banner of St Edward the Confessor

Banner of St George

Made from cream and rose damask silk, this banner features a figure of St George, patron saint of England, dressed as an officer in the Roman army and trampling on a dragon. The designer was Christopher Webb, and the banner was presented in 1948 by Mrs Itterson-Pronk, a member of the Abbey congregation. The scroll around the head of the saint reads, 'George victorious champion knight of Christendom patron of the most noble realm of England', and below, 'This blessed plot, This earth, This realm, This England'. On the reverse is the cross of St George with the inscription "It came from the misty ages the banner of England's might".