The Retro-Choir, now called the Lady-Chapel, was erected by Peter de Rupibus. It is one of the best examples of Early English extant. Six slender columns support the groined vault. If we look at it from the south-east corner we gain a good view showing the altar on the north side and the tomb of Bishop Andrews (died 1626) on the west, an example of the Renaissance style, with a painted effigy. This Bishop of Winchester (who often visited St. Saviour’s, the most important church in his diocese after the Cathedral of Winchester) was buried in a little chapel east of the retro-choir. The “Bishop’s Chapel,” as it was called, was destroyed in 1830 and the body of Bishop Andrews was transferred to its present place.
Of the windows in the Retro-Choir the most admired is the one in the north side of three lights containing figures of Charles I., Thomas à Becket and Archbishop Laud. The tracery is in the Decorated style.
Walking along the north-choir-aisle we pass the effigy of a knight and soon come to the most conspicuous monument in this aisle, that of John Trehearne, servant to Queen Elizabeth and “Gentleman Portar” to James I. On the top of the tomb are Trehearne and his wife with big ruffs. They proudly hold a tablet which is a eulogy of Trehearne’s remarkable qualities. Their four children kneel on a bas-relief below. It is a very interesting example of Seventeenth Century mortuary art.
A door leads from the north-choir-aisle into the Chapel of St. John the Divine, now famous for the Harvard Window in its eastern wall.
“Henceforth the chapel will be associated with the name of John Harvard, who was born in the parish, and baptised in the church on 29th November, 1607, and its restoration is intended to take the form of a memorial to that great and good man.
“The first practical step in this direction was taken by the Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who manifested great interest in the ancient fabric while he was American Ambassador, and presented the east window to the chapel in commemoration of John Harvard, founder of the renowned university which bears his name. The window, unveiled by Mr. Choate on Monday, 2nd May, 1905, is of three lights, transomed, as designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield and Sons, the glass being made in America under the supervision of Mr. Charles F. McKim, the famous American architect. The design is by Mr. John La Farge. In the central light of the lower division the Baptism of Christ is depicted, attendant angels occupying the sides. The upper division contains the arms of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where John Harvard was educated, and of the Harvard University, with its mottoes, Veritas and Christo et Ecclesiae. The base bears the inscription, ‘In memory of John Harvard, founder of Harvard University in America, baptised in this church, Nov. 29, 1607.’
“The window is a noteworthy example of modern work, and the treatment of the familiar subject is distinctly original, in which respect, as well as in colouring, it presents a very striking contrast to the other windows, especially to those of mediæval character, throughout the church. Perhaps it is fortunate that it occupies an isolated position in the chapel, where the brilliance and peculiarity of the colouring are seen to full advantage without detriment to the other windows.”—(Geo. W.)
We again find our way back to the tower and into the south-aisle of the nave for the particular purpose of looking at the windows representing the Elizabethan players and dramatists, associated with the Southwark theatres. Some of them, John Fletcher, Philip Massinger and Edmund Shakespeare, are buried here. The first of this series of windows is a memorial to Edward Alleyn (1566-1626); next to Francis Beaumont (1585-1616); next to John Fletcher (1579-1625); next to Philip Massinger (1583-1639); next to Shakespeare, who lived not far from his theatre, the Globe, in the parish of St. Saviour’s Church.
