Memorial Details
What type of memorial is it?
How would you describe the memorial and its ornamentation?
"In the Central light, the Crucifixion is representing the Great Sacrifice with angels over the cross adoring. The Cross is situate in a desolate country, marked with shell-holes and ruins in the distance, the sunset on the horizon gives a note of colour across the light. There is a border of thorns leafless and flowerless, until above the sunset when leaves and flowers would gradually appear, bursting into full blossom of roses.

Half way up the window is the text under the Crucifixion 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends'.

In the panel below is depicted the delivered Jerusalem within a border of olive trees, and in the side lights S. George, S. Andrew, S. David and S. Patrick, as Patron Saints of the United Kingdom, with shield of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, over the respective figures within a border of intertwined roses, thistles, daffodils and shamrocks.

The panels below contain within borders of oak leaves, kneeling figures of the Allies - Soldiers, Sailors, a Red Cross Nurse and a Cardinal (Mercier). The Soldiers trailing their National Colours at the salute.
In the tracery, in the top panel, there is the Holy Dove with cherub heads below it, to link on to the Crucifixion. In the two cinque foil panels, within oak leaf borders the 'Cross Keys' emblem of St. Peter, to whom the Church is dedicated, and the badge of the Sherwood Foresters - the initials N. and D. (Notts and Derby) occur in the two small triangular pieces below - the other small pieces of tracery are filled with oak leaves and acorns.

The dedicatory inscription runs along the bottom of the window, and is as follows: 'To the glory of God and in lasting memory of the men of this Parish who gave their lives for their country in the Great War, 1914 - 1919'"
Location
Has this memorial been lost?
No
Location
Location
Is this the memorial's current location?
Yes
Building Name
St Peter's Church
Street
St Peters Road
Town
Fairfield
District
County
Country
Postcode
SK17 7EA
OS map ref
SK 06684 74142
If the memorial is located in a site of worship, please list the religious denominations

St Peters Church - Window Location

Commemoration
What words are inscribed on the memorial?
To the glory of God and in lasting memory of the men of this Parish who gave their lives for their country in the Great War, 1914 - 1919
War
How many names are listed in total?
0
Which war or group does the memorial commemorate?
Is the total an exact count?
Yes
Of the names listed, how many served and returned?
0
Of the names listed, how many died?
0
Please include any additional information here
See our reference 53204 for the associated names plaque
Condition
Is the writing on the memorial difficult to read?
No
Components
Component Details
Which memorial component are you recording?
What condition is this component in?
What materials has this component been constructed from?
Listing Information
Does it have listed status?
No
History
Maker
Maker
Person or organisation involved in the making of the memorial
MESSRS GAMON AND HUMPHRY
What role did they have in the making?
Person or organisation involved in the making of the memorial
MESSRS GAMON AND HUMPHRY
What role did they have in the making?
Ceremony
Ceremony
Ceremony
What was the purpose of the ceremony?
When did it take place?
27 February 1920
Ceremony
What was the purpose of the ceremony?
When did it take place?
27 February 1920
Who was present?
The Bishop of Derby
Ceremony
What was the purpose of the ceremony?
When did it take place?
11 November 2014
Who was present?
The Rt Revd Alastair Redfern, The Bishop of Derby.
References
References
http://www.buxtonwarmemorials.co.uk/fairfield.html
It seems, however, that when the Great War ended the Parish never had any intention of erecting a conventional Memorial in the village or churchyard. "A public meeting was held at the Church Institute on Thursday [28th November 1918 - i.e. just 17 days after the Armistice was signed] to discuss the placing of a stained glass window in the east-end of the Parish Church to the memory of the Fallen in the War. The meeting was presided over by the Vicar (Rev. E. L. Harkness, M.A.) [see Footnote below], who was supported by the churchwardens (Messrs. G.J.M. Headington and W.H. Barnes). …. ….

A small committee was appointed, with the Vicar acting as hon. secretary and treasurer, it is proposed to invite ladies of the parish to wait on residents with a view to soliciting donations. It is hoped that a liberal response will be the result, and that the proposal may be accomplished at no distant date."

Footnote: 'The Buxton Advertiser' of the 15th July 1916 reported that the Brother of Rev. E. L. Harkness, Vicar of Fairfield Church - Captain Percy Yarborough Harkness, 2nd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own) - was killed in action on the 1st July 1916 - the First Day of the Battle of the Somme. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
The proposals were put to the Church Diocesan authority and on the 30th August 1919 'The Buxton Advertiser' was able to report that: "… [the diocese had] issued a faculty for the placing of a memorial stained-glass window in the three lights at the east-end of the church. We understand that the work is progressing. The firm of Stained-glass window artists, Messrs. Gamon and Humphrey, of London, have sketched a design for the Grover Window, which, when completed, should be an enrichment to the sacred edifice."
'The Buxton Advertiser' of the 15th February 1919 read, alongside the picture [on the left]: "We have pleasure in presenting to our readers the design of the proposed stained-glass East Window which has been produced by Messrs. Gamon and Humphrey, of London, and has been accepted by the Committee at a cost of 300 guineas. [£315 which has a relative value of £11,040.00 to-day (2014)]

The response from the inhabitants of Fairfield and their friends has been remarkable and must be gratifying to the instigators of this memorial in the Parish Church of S. Peter."

The same article went on to stress that: "… an additional expense will be incurred by the inscribing of the names of the fallen from this Parish on a Brass Tablet to be erected near the East Window. This being so, we are asked to state that the fund is not closed, and that liberal contributions are still being invited to meet the entire cost."
on the 28th February 1920, 'The Buxton Advertiser' on the unveiling of the window and the brass tablet (see below), which took place the previous day, Friday, the 27th February 1920.

The Service began with the Hymn: "For all the saints who from their labours rest", followed by the Psalm: "I was glad when they said unto me: We will go unto the House of the Lord". The Vicar, speaking from the Sanctuary, dedicated the Memorials to: "... the lasting memory of those from this Parish who made the Supreme Sacrifice".

After the Collect, said by the Bishop of Derby, and more prayers, the names of the 72 men on the Roll of Honour were read. After a short prayer of dedication the Bishop, Dr Abraham. 'The Buxton Advertiser' went on to report that the Church was packed, with many who could not find a seat in the porch and at the rear of the Church.

The Memorial window itself was: "... covered by a handsome silk flag, supplied by Mr R. Coddington, J.P. of Bennetston Hall." Also present for the dedication were the Marquis of Hartington; the Mayor and members of the Borough Council; Clergy from the other Buxton Parishes, and many other local persons of note.
For Biographical details of the fallen-http://www.thestensons.co.uk/