Memorial Details
What type of memorial is it?
How would you describe the memorial and its ornamentation?
Two pane stained glass window. The subjects are the Sermon on the Mount and the Transfiguration of Our Lord; above are St Michael and St George; below these are the royal coat of arms and the arms of Edward the Confessor. Above in the quatrefoil is Our Lord in glory surrounded by angels. In niches in the window borders are figures of soldiers from all over the world who served with British forces during the Great War, with the shields of arms of their countries. At the base of the window is the YMCA symbol with a soldier either side one in an army uniform and one in a kilted uniform.
Two portraits of Sir George Williams, the founder of the YMCA, in youth and old age, appear at the base of the window.
Location
Has this memorial been lost?
No
Location
Location
Is this the memorial's current location?
Yes
Building Name
Westminster Abbey
Street
Deans Yard
Town
Westminster
Country
Postcode
SW1P 3PA
OS map ref
TQ 29973 79401
If the memorial is located in a site of worship, please list the religious denominations

YMCA Great War Location

Commemoration
What words are inscribed on the memorial?
Above the YMCA crest:
Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works

Below the left hand pane: Below the right hand pane:
To the glory of God and in memory of / the services rendered through the Young Men's Christian
Association during the Great War 1914 / -1918: and to George Williams, its founder
War
How many names are listed in total?
0
Which war or group does the memorial commemorate?
Is the total an exact count?
Yes
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
Additional Notes
Additional general notes on the memorial
George Williams was born 1821 in Somerset. Moving to London he worked in many areas of the ministry of the non-conformist King's Weigh House Chapel. In 1844 he and some friends set up the YMCA. This soon grew into an international movement. In 1894 he was knighted by Queen Victoria and he died on 6th November 1905.
Maker
Maker
Person or organisation involved in the making of the memorial
Dudley Forsyth
What role did they have in the making?
Ceremony
Ceremony
Ceremony
What was the purpose of the ceremony?
When did it take place?
14th November 1921.
References
References
Image(s)
Memorial Image
Media ID
196670
Image
Window
Priority
0
What is the image's caption?
Window
Who is it credited to?
Gilmour Strang
Date Taken
21 June 2025
Who took or provided this image?
Gilmour Strang
What is its licence type?
Standard WMA terms
Is this image evidence of inscribed names?
✖
Media Image Height
3799
Media Image Width
2680
Media ID
196671
Image
Window detail
Priority
1
What is the image's caption?
Window detail
Who is it credited to?
Gilmour Strang
Date Taken
21 June 2025
Who took or provided this image?
Gilmour Strang
What is its licence type?
Standard WMA terms
Is this image evidence of inscribed names?
✖
Media Image Height
2607
Media Image Width
3799