fore not open, they have somewhat the appearance of
magnified doorways that have been blocked up. At Snettisham, in Norfolk,
is a western doorway protected by a porch with three open arches; and
this has sometimes been mentioned when Peterborough west front is a
subject of discussion; not, of course, as a fitting comparison, but as
an illustration of the architectural method employed. At Snettisham,
however, the porch is a small erection even for the church to which it
gives entrance, and does not nearly extend to the entire width of the
building.

[Illustration: South-West Spire and Bell-Tower.]

The following is the quaint description given in "Magna Britannia,"
published 1724:--"The western Front is very Noble and Majestick of
Columel Work, and supported by three such tall Arches, as England can
scarcely shew the like, which are adorned with a great Variety of
curious Imagery. The Form of Arches is by the modern Architects called,
The Bull's Eye, not Semicircular. The whole is one of the noblest pieces
of Gothick Building in England."

=The Bell-tower=, which rises from the western transept, immediately
behind the north gable of the front (p. 37), is a little later than the
front itself. It is of good workmanship, and quite in keeping with the
older part. There are rows of lancets in the belfry stage, and the four
corner pinnacles are very similar to the large pinnacles that are placed
between the gables of the front, but all the lancets are pointed, and
there are little gables above each. This tower was once surmounted by a
wooden spire. When this was erected does not seem to be known. It was
not of particularly graceful design, judging from views of the cathedral
taken when it was standing. It was removed in the early part of the last
century (see page 25).

[Illustration: The West Front, restored according to Gunton, 1780.]

Passing round to the north side of the cathedral we are at once struck
with the beauty of the termination of the western transept. The arcading
on the north side of the tower of the front is identical with that on
the west side; but to the east there is only arcading in the three upper
stages. Mr. Paley's remarks upon the great windows of the western
transept may be quoted. He says[24] they "deserve particular
examination, not only because they are very early and fine specimens
of cusped and traceried windows--indeed, among the best in the
kingdom--but for a remarkable peculiarity in the