Divine Light the Winner of the Nation’s Favourite Stained Glass Window

06th February 2026

We’re delighted to announce the winning window in our Divine Light winter campaign.

The East Window at Carlisle Cathedral is the Nation’s Favourite Stained Glass Window

Carlisle Cathedral’s East Window has been chosen as the nation’s favourite stained glass window in our Divine Light competition – marking the end of our winter campaign.

Thousands of people voted for their favourite from the top 12 made up of Carlisle, Chester, Ely, Gloucester, Newcastle, Sheffield, St Albans, St George’s Windsor, Wells, Westminster Abbey, Worcester and York Minster.

And the top five based on votes cast were:

The Venerable Michael Everitt, Interim Dean of Carlisle, said

“I am delighted that our wonderful East Window has been voted England’s favourite! I hope that many people will come to Carlisle Cathedral to see it in person.

‘For many of us it has played a central part in our lives: whether through concerts, services or visits. The combination of the ancient glass at the top and the wonderful Victorian depictions of Jesus’ life, all set beneath our starry ceiling means you truly get a glimpse of heaven inside the Cathedral.

‘Thank you to so many people for voting for it and I look forward to welcoming you here.”

Our Divine Light campaign was a collaboration with author, Janet Gough OBE and was based on her latest book of the same name.

It saw us share a stained-glass window from each of the 45 English Cathedrals on social media from Advent until January 14, National Heritage Treasures Day, and the campaign attracted over 2.1million people across all our platforms.

During that time, the number of likes on each post were counted to determine the top 12 to go forward into the public competition.

Divine Light aimed to showcase the depth and range of stained-glass artistry and craftsmanship in our cathedrals -from the 12th century to modern times, representing a significant national art collection that spans 900 years.

Anna Pitt, executive director of the Association of English Cathedrals said,

‘We are delighted that Carlisle Cathedral’s Gothic East End window has been named winner in the Divine Light Stained Glass competition.

‘It is a joy to see it has won the hearts of the voting public.

‘The window depicts the life of Jesus, and like much of the stained glass in our Divine Light competition, is a stunning aid to worship, education, discovery, inspiration and spiritual growth in the cathedral.

‘Our voting has seen a touching commitment from those who support Carlisle Cathedral and is a really delightful example of the special place cathedrals hold in the hearts of their local communities and beyond.

‘Cathedrals are incredible gathering spaces; places of encounter, exploration, discovery and inspiration; they are anchors in their communities and places to hold collective joy and sorrow.

‘The voting for this competition reflects not only the phenomenal craft skills and artistry present in the design and conservation of these extraordinary windows, but also the powerful sense of belonging and community that cathedrals provoke.’

Janet Gough’s Divine Light can be bought here.

Thank you to every one of you who supported this campaign.

Three members of the public who voted in the competition will be chosen at random to receive a copy of Janet’s Gough’s Divine Light which inspired the competition. Keep an eye on your inboxes!

Look out for our next social media campaign …!

And remember to visit your local cathedral and see what you will discover.