A stained glass window has been unveiled in memory of a Hampshire peer who created one of the county's top attractions.

The window at Beaulieu Abbey Church celebrates the life of Edward, Lord Montagu, who established what is now the National Motor Museum in the 1950s.

The Bishop of Winchester, the Right Rev Philip Mounstephen, dedicated the tribute during a special service at the church.

Nicholas Bechgaard's design is based on a window that was due to mark the new Millennium in 2000 but was not installed.

Daily Echo: The funeral of Edward, Lord Montagu, was held at Beaulieu Abbey Church in 2015The funeral of Edward, Lord Montagu, was held at Beaulieu Abbey Church in 2015 (Image: Newsquest.)

Edward, Lord Montagu, the first chairman of English Heritage, died aged 88 on August 31 2015 after a short illness.

The current Lord Montagu said: "It is over eight years since my father died but his spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of those of us who knew and loved him.

"I know he would be pleased to see this design resurrected and I hope that even after all of us have left this earth, the imagery here will be an enduring statement about the church in our community.”

READ MORE: Lord Montagu, founder of National Motor Museum, dies aged 88 after short illness

The Bishop added: "This window is beautiful for its design, for its execution, and for its celebration of this place and its history.

"There was beauty too in the very life that this window commemorates and celebrates. The 3rd Baron Montagu appreciated beauty and he appreciated history too.”

Daily Echo: A statue of Edward, Lord Montagu, outside the entrance to the main building at the National Motor MuseumA statue of Edward, Lord Montagu, outside the entrance to the main building at the National Motor Museum (Image: Newsquest.)

A specially composed anthem by conductor George Arthur was performed for the first time during the service. 

Made by the stained glass workshop at Salisbury Cathedral, the window includes an inscription that says: “To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Edward John Barrington Douglas-Scott-Montagu, 3rd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu and patron of this parish 1926-2015.”

READ MORE: Hundreds of villagers turn out to pay tribute to Lord Montagu of Beaulieu

The imagery in the window symbolises different aspects of the Christian faith, presented in the context of the local landscape.

A crown and crosier at the top are taken from the badge of Beaulieu Abbey, which was founded by Cistercian monks in 1204. Also depicted is the Salvata, a ship used by the monks.

A dove represents the Holy Spirit flanked by swans - a well-known feature of the Beaulieu River.

A cross marks the church's location at the head of the river, and an anchor symbolises the maritime village of Buckler’s Hard, where naval ships were built from local oak in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Edward, Lord Montagu's funeral was held at the church in September 2015