William Howe was a pattern maker at the Forth Street Steel Works Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He was a man of considerable attainments, and persuaded by George Stephenson he left the north to become engineer at the Clay Cross Collieries and Iron Works. William Howe had a further claim to distinction, he had perfected the 'Link Motion' for working steam locomotives expansively, having developed this form of valve gear, which had been first thought of by a young draughtsman, William Williams at the Forth Street Works. In 1845 William Howe took out patents jointly with George Stephenson for the 'Link Motion Valve Gear'. He lived in Springfield House and was a life long member of the Parish Church.

When William Howe died, in January 1879, the first glass memorial window was placed in the parish church in his memory. This window is now known to be the work of William Morris,1834-1896. Morris, close friend of Burne Jones, founded an establishment for the manufacture of wallpaper, stained glass, tiles and artistic household decorations, largely reforming English taste in colour and design. Morris' sister Emma, born in 1830, became the wife of the Reverend Joseph Oldham, B.D. in 1850. In May 1851 Oldham was appointed vicar to the Parish of Clay Cross. William Morris decorated the chancel and chancel arch of the church, and the Howe window, doutbtless to help his brother-in-law and his sister. The memorial window was painted into the design during its manufacture and is clearly in the style of Morris.

For a more detailed biography including some diagrams of the Link Motion click here.