THERE was an amazing turnout for the Act of Re-Dedication of the Edward V Window and the Edward V Historical Event held at St Matthew’s Church, Coldridge, on Saturday, May 24.

At the Coldridge event, from left, Churchwarden John Smith, Historian John Dike, author and television celebrity Philippa Langley and right, Churchwarden Andrew Green. AQ 2636
At the Coldridge event, from left, Churchwarden John Smith, Historian John Dike, author and television celebrity Philippa Langley and right, Churchwarden Andrew Green. AQ 2636 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Philippa Langley signed one of her books for Coldridge Church volunteer Malcolm Bedford. Image: The Bookery
Philippa Langley signed one of her books for Coldridge Church volunteer Malcolm Bedford. Image: The Bookery (The Bookery)

More than 170 people attended from across the UK, the day beginning with the Act of Re-Dedication Service which was performed by Rev Jo Stobart, the Bishop of Exeter’s Chaplain, assisted by Rev Preb Peter Rapsey.

Television celebrity and author, Philippa Langley MBE, during her talk on the theme ‘The Princes in the Tower - How History’s Greatest Cold Case Was Solved’. AQ 2647
Television celebrity and author, Philippa Langley MBE, during her talk on the theme ‘The Princes in the Tower - How History’s Greatest Cold Case Was Solved’. AQ 2647 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
The stained glass window now in position after its restoration at St Matthew’s Church, Coldridge. AQ 2609
The stained glass window now in position after its restoration at St Matthew’s Church, Coldridge. AQ 2609 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
More than 170 people attended the event at Coldridge. AQ 2607
More than 170 people attended the event at Coldridge. AQ 2607 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The programme for the rest of the day included a talk entitled “The Tudor Lady” by author Rosemary Griggs, which was followed by an illustrated talk by Coldridge Historian and Lead Researcher for the Missing Princes Project, John Dike.

A packed Coldridge Parish Church for the speakers at the Edward V Historical Event held at St Matthew’s Church, Coldridge. AQ 2568
A packed Coldridge Parish Church for the speakers at the Edward V Historical Event held at St Matthew’s Church, Coldridge. AQ 2568 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Rosemary Griggs, author and speaker, dressed in costume for the Coldridge event. AQ 2547
Rosemary Griggs, author and speaker, dressed in costume for the Coldridge event. AQ 2547 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Lunch and music on the Village Green was followed by a highlight of the day, an illustrated talk by television celebrity and author, Philippa Langley MBE, on the theme “The Princes in the Tower - How History’s Greatest Cold Case Was Solved”.

Members of The Company of The Lamb and also members of the Somerset branch of the Richard III Society in costume at Coldridge. AQ 2625
Members of The Company of The Lamb and also members of the Somerset branch of the Richard III Society in costume at Coldridge. AQ 2625 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Church bellringers from Bow rang the church bells before the service of Re-Dedication of the Edward V Window. AQ 2528
Church bellringers from Bow rang the church bells before the service of Re-Dedication of the Edward V Window. AQ 2528 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
John (Spider) Parry from The Company of The Lamb reenactment group from North Devon displayed his 15th century War of Roses style armour. AQ 2628
John (Spider) Parry from The Company of The Lamb reenactment group from North Devon displayed his 15th century War of Roses style armour. AQ 2628 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Philippa later sold copies of her new book, of the same name, in association with The Bookery in Crediton.

It was in April 2024 that the window which depicts Edward V was removed from the parish church and taken to experts at Holywell Glass in Wells, Somerset for extensive restoration and conservation to ensure the preservation of this nationally and historically significant artefact.

Copies of Philippa Langley’s book were signed by the author for visitors to The Bookery of Crediton stall. AQ 2657
Copies of Philippa Langley’s book were signed by the author for visitors to The Bookery of Crediton stall. AQ 2657 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The queue for copies of Philippa Langley MBE’s book, ‘The Princes in the Tower - How History’s Greatest Cold Case Was Solved’, from The Bookery of Crediton stall. Photo: The Bookery
The queue for copies of Philippa Langley MBE’s book, ‘The Princes in the Tower - How History’s Greatest Cold Case Was Solved’, from The Bookery of Crediton stall. Photo: The Bookery (The Bookery)

The window was reinstated in June 2024 at a cost of £21,000.

This figure was raised by donations from the Parish, visitors to the church tours, The Church of England, International Crowdfunding, The Richard III Society, The Glazier’s Trust and The Morris Fund.

Philippa Langley signing books for Heidi and Anna Robins at Coldridge. Image: The Bookery
Philippa Langley signing books for Heidi and Anna Robins at Coldridge. Image: The Bookery (The Bookery)

A Prince of Ales beer was specially made for the Edward V Historical Event at Coldridge. AQ 2519
A Prince of Ales beer was specially made for the Edward V Historical Event at Coldridge. AQ 2519 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Rev Jo Stobart, the Bishop of Exeter’s Chaplain, left, with, from second left, historian John Dike, Rev Preb Peter Rapsey and churchwarden Andrew Green, beside the tomb of Sir John Evans in Coldridge Parish Church. AQ 2557
Rev Jo Stobart, the Bishop of Exeter’s Chaplain, left, with, from second left, historian John Dike, Rev Preb Peter Rapsey and churchwarden Andrew Green, beside the tomb of Sir John Evans in Coldridge Parish Church. AQ 2557 (The Bookery)

St Matthew’s Church PCC thanks each and everyone.

Churchwarden John Smith thanked all involved in the day, from caterers to musicians, speakers and volunteers, explaining: “I have heard nothing but praise from all quarters, many telling me that it ‘felt like an enormous party’ and ‘a day packed with facts and fun’.”