otten that he
shortened the original nave by one entire bay. Walking to the west end,
from which the best general view is to be obtained, one is impressed by
the striking effect of the great Norman piers and arches and the gloom of
the choir beyond. Through the noble circular arches, which support the
central tower and the modern screen on the eastern side of it, we see the
eastern wall of the choir, pierced above by three lancet windows and below
by a wide circular arch receding in many orders. A central pillar divides
this lower arch, two pointed arches springing from its capital and leaving
a spandrel between them, which is covered with modern sculpture. In the
far distance may be distinguished the east wall of the Lady Chapel and its
brilliant lancet lights.

Throughout the Cathedral the Norman work is remarkable for the richness of
its ornament as compared with other buildings of the same date, such as
Peterborough or Ely.

The main arches of the nave are ornamented with the billet and other
beautiful mouldings, and the capitals of both piers and shafts are also
elaborately decorated. The double half shafts set against the north and
south fronts of the huge circular piers are in the greater part
restorations.

Over each pier arch there are two triforium arches imitated from the Early
English of Salisbury. They are divided by slender pillars, but there is no
triforium passage.

During the Late Decorated period the nave-aisles were practically rebuilt,
the existing walls and windows being erected upon the bases of the Norman
walls, which were retained for a few feet above the foundations. The
vaulting of the roofs of the nave-aisles and the roof of the nave itself
were coloured under the direction of Mr. Cottingham.

*The Font*, of late Norman design, probably twelfth century, is in the
second bay of the south aisle beginning from the west.

The circular basin is 32 inches in diameter, large enough for the total
immersion of children. Beneath arches round the basin are figures of the
twelve Apostles. These, however, with one exception, have been much
broken. The most curious feature of this interesting font is the base with
four demi-griffins or lions projecting therefrom. The whole is protected
by a mosaic platform.

*Monuments in the Nave.*--The first monument on the south side as we walk
from the western end is the fine effigy in alabaster of Sir Richard
Pembridge in plate and mail armour with his greyhoun