Philip Nelson (antiquarian)

Philip Nelson (1872 – 1953) was a British physician, archaeologist, and antiquarian known for his extensive studies of medieval stained glass, particularly in Lancashire and Cheshire. He was a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London (FSA) and made significant contributions to the understanding of the history and artistry of stained glass in the North West of England.

Nelson received his medical degree and practiced as a physician for a time, but his passion lay in historical research and the study of antiquities. He devoted much of his life to documenting and analyzing medieval stained glass, publishing numerous articles and books on the subject. His work was characterized by meticulous detail and a deep understanding of the historical context in which the glass was created.

Key contributions include detailed surveys of stained glass in churches and other buildings throughout Lancashire and Cheshire. He meticulously recorded the designs, iconography, and techniques used in the creation of the glass, providing valuable insights into the artistic and social history of the region. Nelson also researched the heraldry depicted in the glass, further enriching his analyses.

His publications include important works such as "Ancient Painted Glass in England, 1170-1500" (1913) and numerous articles in journals such as the Transactions of the Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society. He was a prominent figure in the antiquarian community of his time and his work continues to be consulted by scholars today. Nelson's research helped preserve a record of stained glass that might otherwise have been lost to damage, decay, or neglect.