Ystradgynlais and Belton-in-Rutland

There are two known sets of memorial windows to Colonel Fleming R.D.A. Gough and his wife Mrs Cecil Clare Gough.

Chronologically, the first set is in the church in Belton-in-Rutland, near Uppingham, and was erected by Mrs Gough in memory of her husband.

The second set is in Saint Cynog's Church, Ystradgynlais, and was erected in XXXX in memory of both Colonel and Mrs Gough.

Ystradgynlais

The stained glass window behind the main altar in Saint Cynog's Church, Ystradgynlais is dedicated to the memory of Fleming Gough and his wife Cecil Clare Gough.

These windows are described in detail in "St. Cynog's Parish Church Ystradgynlais - History of the Building of the present Church 1861-1961 " by the Reverend H.M. Hughes, at the time Rector of Ystradgynlais. On page 16 of the book, it notes that the windows comprise five 'lights', or vertical panels. These are then described in detail:-

The three central lights depict Christ in Glory in the centre, with Saint Michael and Saint Gabriel, the Archangels in the inner side-lights. Above and beneath these figures are the four six-winged creatures mentioned in the Book of Revelation and accepted as the symbol of the four Evangelists - the Angel for Saint Matthew, the Lion for Saint Mark, the Ox for Saint Luke, and the Eagle for Saint John. The oval rays surrounding Our Lord represents the fact that He has risen and reigns in Glory. A few rays are shown around each Archangel to signify they are Sons of Light. Saint Michael holds his Shield and a Cross to denote his Spiritual Victory over the Evil One. The Scroll held by Saint Gabriel has painted on it the words: "I am Gabriel that stands in the presence of God." In his right hand is the Lily of the Anunciation. Beneath the Archangels are two angels with censers in their hands.

In the outer side lights are the figures of Saint Cynog and Saint Clare. The patron saint is shown on the dexter side next to Saint Michael who is Patron Saint and Prince of the Church Militant. It is of interest to note too that Cynog, although a prince and son of King Brychan, has discarded his earthly crown and it is seen placed at his feet. As he was canonized he is shown holding the Scriptures and a staff. Saint Clare, being a pupil and disciple of Saint Francis, is shown in a brown habit, holding a Pastoral Staff as an Abbess and her emblem - the Lily. At the base of these outer lights are introduced the coats of arms of the Dioceses of Saint David's and Swansea and Brecon.

Belton-in-Rutland, nr. Uppingham

Fleming R.D.A. Gough spent a lot of his time residing at another property of his, Belton House in Rutland (now Belton-in-Rutland) and there is a memorial window to him, erected in his memory by his widow, Mrs Cecil Clare Gough.

Thank you to Audrey Walker of the Belton-in-Rutland History Society for the photographs of this memorial window, inside Saint Peter's Church.