y Chapel is a passage
which has given rise to much speculation in bygone times.

The #Lady Chapel# at the time of its erection was carried out to the
farthest limit of the land possessed by the Abbey, shown on the plan at
F.F. As the east wall of the chapel was actually on the western boundary
wall the passage was made to give access from the north to the south of
the grounds, without the need of going right round the precincts by the
west front.

Modern improvements have increased the facilities for studying and
admiring the building. In 1847-8 the garden was laid out, and from it
the outside can easily be carefully examined.

[Illustration: PISCINA IN THE TRIFORIUM.]

FOOTNOTES:

[1] This is now out of print.

[2] They have lately been undergoing repair, and will soon be in
working order again.

[3] James Fergusson, writing to Mr. Waller on the above subject,
says: "It is curious that polygonal forms should be used in this
country in the eleventh century, whilst at Caen and on the Continent
generally circular forms prevailed well into the twelfth century."

CHAPTER III

THE INTERIOR

"The most-detailed description of architectural works must fail to
convey to the mind so clear and correct an impression, as the graphic
representation of the objects themselves does to the eye; and the more
laboured the attempt to describe in words the position, the arrangement,
the form and magnitude of the several parts, the more the picture
becomes confused, and the less likely to answer the purpose" (_Quart.
Rev._, No. 37, 179).

How far the above statement is of universal application is not a matter
to be here discussed, but it will be appreciated to the full by anyone
who attempts to describe, within definite and narrow limits, the many
beauties of one of our finest cathedrals, such as Gloucester undoubtedly
is.

To fully appreciate the beauty of the cathedral, it must be studied
under different aspects and at different times. Much will depend upon
the mood of the visitor, much, too, upon the time of day. The Lady
Chapel at 7 A.M. is quite a different thing from the Lady Chapel at
10:30 or 12 noon, though always beautiful. The same holds good with the
choir and the nave. A slanting light through the south clerestory
playing fitfully upon the lace-work of the north side of the choir, or
the sturdy pillars of the ever-impressive nave, gives a charm that
cannot be described.

Ho