A WINDOW dedicated to those lost in the Battle of Shrewsbury which is housed in Prees is in danger of being lost, according to campaigners.

The Battlefield Window was built for the original Battlefield Church with support from Henry IV – victor at the battle against the rebel leader Henry Hotspur – between 1406-09 as part of a space for priests to pray for those who died in the battle.

Created by John Thornton, who is considered one of the greatest glass artists of all time, the window was moved to St Chad’s Church in Church Street, Prees, in the 19th century.

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Now a campaign group – St Chad’s Window Appeal – has been launched to help pay for its restoration and repairs after the years have began to take their toll.

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Dr Donna Cooper-Cliftlands, who is the funding co-ordinator for the appeal group, said that a  public meeting has been called for Saturday, November 23 at 6pm at the church.

Here, she says, more details about a funding target and plan of action will be discussed.

Donna said: “A national treasure, which is to be found on our doorstep in St Chad’s Church Prees, is in danger.

“The Battlefield Window was part of the original Battlefield Church, built by Henry IV in the early 1400s, but was re-installed in Prees in Victorian times.

“The amazing window was created by the great glass artists of all times, John Thornton, who was responsible for one of the most important windows in the world – the Great East Window at York Minster.

“Unfortunately, the Prees window is desperate for conservation before it is lost.

“There is an algae infestation which is covering much of the glass, and the stonework is now in such a poor state around the window that it may not hold it in place for many more years.

“St Chad’s is starting the huge job of raising the funds to conserve this window, said by experts to be ‘of national significance’.

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“They are planning a number of exciting events, including stained glass workshops with people of all ages from the village.

“An information evening to hear more about the window and to find out how to help is on November 23 at 6pm in St Chad’s.”

For more information email pewchurches@gmail.com or call 07761 325588.