Following the Threads: John Petty’s Will and the Search for Furness Abbey Stained Glass (Part 2)

Imagine the clang of a hammer against a chisel, the scent of beeswax and lead thick in the air, and shards of coloured glass catching the light of a medieval workshop within the Furness Abbey stained glass studios. A skilled craftsman, John Petty, meticulously pieces together a vibrant stained glass window, his hands guiding each shard into place. Sunlight streams through the newly finished window, casting a kaleidoscope of colours across the abbey’s stone walls.

But what became of those magnificent Furness Abbey stained glass windows? A tantalising clue lies within the faded parchment of John Petty’s will — a document that reveals his connection to the abbey and offers a rare glimpse into the past.

We continue to follow the threads of this historical mystery, delving into archives and examining surviving Furness Abbey stained glass to uncover the truth behind the abbey’s lost treasures.
#FurnessAbbey #StainedGlass #HistoryMystery

John Petty: Master Glazier of York and the Furness Abbey Stained Glass Mystery
John Petty wasn’t just any craftsman; he was a respected figure in York society, even serving as the city’s Lord Mayor in 1496. His expertise as a glazier was undoubtedly renowned, evidenced by commissions for prominent churches and individuals.

But what was his connection to Furness Abbey, a Cistercian monastic site located miles away from his York workshop?
#JohnPetty #Glazier #York

Petty’s Will: A Window into the Past
Petty’s will, dated 1508, offers a tantalising insight into his activities long before the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1537. A key passage reads:

“To Furnes abbay xiij s. iiij d., besechyng thame of clere absolucion, be cause I have wroght mych wark there.”

In modern English, this translates to:

“To Furness Abbey 13 shillings and 4 pence, beseeching them for full absolution, because I have done much work there.”

The phrase “beseeching them of clear absolution” is particularly moving. It suggests that Petty was not only professionally connected to the abbey, but also spiritually invested — asking the monks to pray for his soul after death. This deepens his connection to Furness Abbey stained glass and highlights the religious practices of the time.
#History #MedievalEngland #Religion

A Link to the Past: Petty’s Stained Glass at Furness Abbey
A fragment of stained glass, attributed to John Petty, is now housed at Furness Abbey. This piece — depicting an angel — is the only known remnant with evidence linking it directly to the abbey. It offers a tangible connection to the glazier’s craftsmanship and raises further questions about his involvement with the abbey’s windows.

This delicate fragment showcases Petty’s use of pigment and yellow stain. The angel bears a scalloped nimbus and long, curly, golden hair — details that reflect Petty’s remarkable skill.
#StainedGlassArt #MedievalArt

Continuing the Quest
The search for Furness Abbey’s stained glass is far from over. Here’s how we continue the investigation:

📜 Archival Research
We will continue exploring archives in York and Cumbria for records of Petty’s commissions, financial transactions related to Furness Abbey, or references to stained glass work.
#ArchivalResearch #LocalHistory

🏛️ Church Surveys
We’ll examine parish registers and churchwardens’ accounts for any record of payments to glaziers or mentions of Petty’s name. These may contain entries regarding Petty’s life — baptisms, marriages, or burials — that provide further context.

We’re also consulting local historians with expertise in regional craft history. Their insight may reveal new connections to John Petty’s work.
#ChurchHistory #Genealogy

By combining historical research with visual analysis, we hope to piece together the puzzle of Furness Abbey stained glass. Each clue brings us closer to preserving this vital piece of Cumbria’s artistic and ecclesiastical heritage.
#HistoryHunt #Cumbria #LakeDistrict