the capitals, of most curious detail,
were perfect, and upon them were visible as far as the level of the window
above, the remaining stones which formed the architecture of the exterior
arch, from which it was evident that its crown must have risen to the
height of 30 feet. By cautious examination of the parts walled up, it was
discovered that the capitals were all perfect, and that this exquisite and
grand construction, the mutilation and concealment of which it is utterly
impossible to account for, was, in fact, made up of five arches, the
interior and smallest supported by the two semi-columns already described,
and each of the others increasing in span as it approached the front upon
square and circular shafts alternately, the faces of each arch being
beautifully decorated with the choicest Norman ornaments. Of the four
lateral arches, the two first had been not only hidden by the oak
panelling of the screen, but were also, like the two others, closed up
with lath and plaster, as the central arch; and when these incumbrances
and desecrations were taken away, it is impossible to describe adequately
the glorious effect produced, rendered more solemn and impressive by the
appearance of the ancient monuments of Bishops Reynelm, Mayew, Stanbury,
and Benet, whose ashes rest beneath these massive arches, of which,
together with the noble triforium above, before the Conquest, Athelstan
had probably been the founder, and the former of those just mentioned, the
completer and restorer after that era."

Under Mr. Cottingham many improvements were made, though it cannot be said
that all the work he did was good either in design or execution. The
beautiful lantern of the central tower, with its fifty-six shafts, was
satisfactorily strengthened and thrown open to view. At the time of Dean
Merewether's death in 1850 much still remained to be done, and in 1857 a
further scheme was set going under the financial management of Dean
Richard Dawes, and the architectural direction of Mr., afterwards Sir
Gilbert, Scott, who restored the north transepts, the north porch, the
choir, and Lady Chapel. He also erected the large metal screen and fitted
up the Lady Chapel as a church for the parish of St. John the Baptist.

Altogether in these two works of repair about L45,000 was expended, and
the cathedral was opened for service on June 30th, 1863.

CHAPTER II. - THE CATHEDRAL - EXTERIOR.

Artistic unity is certainly not the chief