11. Grammar Connection and Tragedy in Stained Glass

Launceston Church Grammar School occupied what is now the Colonial Hotel, adjoining St. John’s in Elizabeth St, and connections with the church were historically strong. When the great “extension” was completed in 1911, the side chapel was referred to as the Grammar Chapel. As the building drew towards completion, sponsors were invited to contribute stained glass windows. Having tragically lost his wife in childbirth in 1910,  Robert Harry Gillett, co-principal of Grammar 1895-1915, contributed a window portraying St. John, placed in the chapel sanctuary, in her memory – Mary Elsie Gillett (nee Parramore) 1871 – 1910. The baby daughter survived, and Gillett re-married, to Fanny, Mary’s elder sister. The other window, one of the great windows of the south clerestory, commemorates Broadland House Church of England Girls Grammar School, which merged with Grammar in 1983. Further details:
Mary Gillett: https://resources.allsaints.network/histcoll/index.php/Detail/entities/P041
Gillett window: https://resources.allsaints.network/histcoll/index.php/Detail/objects/ASJ2022.23
Broadland House window: https://resources.allsaints.network/histcoll/index.php/Detail/objects/ASJ2022.10