The Pedlar's Window

'The Luck of Lambeth

There are several versions as to the origin of the Pedlar's Window. One states that a 15th century incumbent of St. Marys once gave charity and shelter a pedlar and his dog. This pedlar prospered with time and upon his death left an acre of land to the church, on condition that both he and his dog be forever commemorated in 'painted' glass. Another claims that the dog unearthed treasure and this was the source of the pedlar's wealth and his bequest to St Mary's was on the condition that the dog could be buried in the graveyard.

The legend on the window reads -

''This window by tradition represents a benefactor who about the year 1500 left to this church a piece of land later known as Pedlar's Acre (on which the County Hall now stands) on condition that his image be placed in the church and repaired from time to time. Mended in 1608; renewed 1703; tranfered to this chapel 1884; destroyed 1941; renewed 1956'.

It is known as 'The Luck of Lambeth'. The legend beneath it reads 'May God prosper the land as he hath prospered me'.

 

Left: The Pedlar's Window as it appeared in the 1820's