ications
of the insecurity of the lantern tower had begun to appear, one or more
fragments of the masonry having fallen from a great height; and for some
years before the tower was condemned as unsafe, a wooden stage had been
erected, above the four great arches, as a protection in case more
stones should fall. The great pier to the south cast had been, time out
of memory, bound all round with strong iron bands. As far back as 1593,
there is an entry among the cathedral accounts, which mentions that L47
4s. 9d. had been spent on "the great column near the choir repaired with
iron and timber." In 1882 the evidences of failure in the lantern stage
were found to be increasing, and its condition was pronounced dangerous.
Large gaps made their appearance towards the end of the year, and in
January 1883, the greater part of the tower was said to be in a "state
of movement."

It was very soon realised that nothing short of rebuilding the tower
from the foundation would meet the case. The first stone was taken down
on April 5th, and the tower and two eastern piers were removed by
August. The western piers were soon afterwards condemned, and taken down
the following year. The chief corner stone of the new tower at the
north-eastern pier, was laid with full masonic ceremonial on May 7th
1884, by the Earl of Carnarvon, acting for the Prince of Wales. All the
stones, as taken down, were numbered, and every one that could be used
again was replaced in its original position. During this year there
commenced a controversy as to the correct way of finishing the building
of the tower. When the Decorated lantern was first built, the great
arches, east and west, to the choir and nave, were altered from the
round to the pointed shape. A few of the stones of the original Norman
arches having been brought to light during the work, some persons wished
round arches to be built as at first. Some stones of the Norman tower
were also found; and it was proposed to heighten the central tower by
one stage of work in the Norman style, using original stones where
possible, and placing the Decorated stage above it. Others again, wanted
a lofty central spire to be added. The matter was referred to Archbishop
Benson for his decision. In the result the whole was rebuilt exactly as
before, with the exception that the four corner turrets, erected by Dean
Kipling, were not replaced.

In 1886 the tower was finished. The transept ceilings were repaired in
th