cathedral, and occurs
fortunately at a time when such information is unusually scanty. In
addition to the above-mentioned Purbeck marble, stone from the quarries
of Caen in Normandy, and other places nearer home, was procured in large
quantities. In 1338 the bishop gave permission to the Dean and Chapter
to obtain from his agents at Chudleigh "twelve suitable oaks from his
wood there." About 1350 the building of the nave was completed. It was
extensively restored in recent years under the guidance of Sir Gilbert
Scott. The Purbeck columns had fallen into a most dilapidated state, and
were carefully repaired, the material used being obtained from those
spots which had supplied the original builders.

The view of the nave as one enters the west door is most impressive. Its
full height of seventy feet is not dwarfed by the unhindered stretch of
roof. The groined and ribbed roof itself is of marvellous beauty and
springs from slender vaulting shafts, of which the bosses are
exquisitely carved with a strange mixture of religious and legendary
figures, foliage and animals. The artists seem to have ransacked the
whole universe for subjects, and to have interpreted their ideas with
great cunning. The corbels that support the vaulting shafts are equally
elaborately carved.

[Illustration: THE NAVE, LOOKING WEST.
The Photochrom Co. Photo.]

[Illustration: CORBELS AND BOSSES (FROM BRITTON'S 'EXETER,' 1826).

(2) Virgin and Child. (3) Minstrel and tumbler. (4)
Coronation of the Virgin. (5) Murder of S. Thomas
(Becket), from Nave. (6) From Lady Chapel. (7) From
Choir. (8) and (11) Heads popularly identified with
Edward III and Q. Philippa. (10) The Virgin and her
Coronation. (See Prideaux and Shafto, "Bosses and
Corbels of Exeter Cathedral.")]

They consist of figures and foliage, and the variety of subjects chosen
is no less surprising than the skill the artists have shown in the
realization of their ideas. Whether they are peculiar to Exeter or not,
it may be safely said that one could not easily find their equals either
in design or execution. The subjects treated are too numerous for
detailed treatment in this place, but the carving of vines and acorns
and oakleaves will be readily admired.

[Illustration: THE MINSTRELS' GALLERY.
The Photochrom Co. Photo.]

The nave has seven bays, and