St Thomas of Canterbury Stained glass in Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury cathedral has a magnificent collection of medieval stained glass. Many of the windows show familiar biblical themes, but a good number show scenes of the martyrdom of Thomas and the subsequent miracles.

The Martyrdom of Becket

The miracles The miracle windows mention over twenty reputed miracles performed by Thomas, perhaps convincing to the medieval pilgrim, but less so to the more cynical modern viewer.  Some feature distinguished pilgrims, such as King Louis VII of France, but most are very ordinary people such as Cicily of Plumstead,  Baldrick (who fell off his horse and broke his leg),  Mad Henry of Fordwich, Robert of Cricklade who suffered from swollen feet, Bobby of Rochester who fell in the river when throwing stones at frogs, Adam the forester shot with an arrow by a poacher, and Mad Matilda of Cologne. Thomas's specialities seem to be curing madness and bad feet.

For a complete overview of the Canterbury windows, follow this link.

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