eastern corner of the close is a
fine specimen of architecture. In the spandrels above the great
four-centred arch are two coats of arms, one with the keys and
crosslets, the other with swords and crosses. These are now the arms of
the See and the Cathedral respectively: but it is difficult to say what
was their special significance when this gate was erected. Are we to
suppose that the Abbot and Prior used different armorial bearings before
the Reformation? Above the smaller door is a boldly carved rebus of the
Abbot in whose time the gate was erected, a church on a tun, Robert
Kirton (Kirkton). His initials in stone are also carved beneath the
parapet. Several of the details are well worthy of attention. We find
the Tudor rose and portcullis: the arms of S. Edward and of S. Edmund,
the Martyr King; an early instance in stone of the Prince of Wales'
feathers; and the triangular symbol of the Holy Trinity. The date is
about 1520.

Through an open archway to the east we enter the burial ground. Until
1804 this was the only place of burial for the whole city. On the left
is the Deanery, but nothing of antiquity is to be seen from the
exterior. In the hall are some good fragments of old glass, some of it
probably part of the original embellishments of the house, though some
may have been brought from the Cathedral, and some is again quite
modern. Some panels of early date, brought from another room, have also
lately been put up in the hall. The churchyard has been planted with
trees and shrubs, and is well kept. It has, however, become much more
publicly used than was the case in the last century, owing to a
thoroughfare for foot-passengers which has been opened at the
north-western end of the close; and the usual results of such publicity
have followed in the treading down of the turf and in the damage
inflicted on the shrubs. One of the most striking views of the Cathedral
is seen from the north-eastern corner of the precincts, near the house
known as "The Vineyard." This was the house occupied by the officers who
came down to superintend the spoliation of the building in 1643. This
view takes in the whole of the great length of the Cathedral, the
bell-tower and the north-western spire forming a very effective group.

Passing round the east end and proceeding to the south we come to the
ruins of the =Infirmary=. Here we may see some very excellent Early
English work, most elegant and graceful. It was erected about 1260.