he great south-west
tower of the church, which has since been materially diminished in
height. The present Chapter School, which was originally the chancel of
Thomas a Becket's Chapel, was also built at this period; its nave was
taken down in the time of Abbot Genge, who presided here between the
years 1396 and 1408, and the materials were given to the inhabitants of
Peterborough to re-build their parish church with, in a more convenient
situation. The eastern and western arches of the lantern must also have
been altered into their present shape about this time, and the first
story of a tower, which, if it had been completed, would have been one
of the finest in England, built upon them: this is now remaining, and
forms all the pretence that this Cathedral can show to a central
tower."

Ashton resigned in 1471, to the Bishop of Lincoln, and was succeeded by
William Ramsey, in the same year, who, with the assistance of prior
Maldon, erected a "brazen eagle" in the church, to which the bible and
mass book were chained. This eagle is now in the choir of the
Cathedral, and used when reading the lessons. Ashton was indicted[15] in
1480, for releasing a felon from the gaol at _Peterburgh_, and
accepting a bribe for the same. He was tried and convicted, and was
obliged to find sureties for better conduct. The original judgment is
yet retained in the chapter-house; with the names of the abbot's
sureties. He died in 1496, after a rule of 25 years.

Robert Kirton was made abbot in 1496. During his rule the regulations
of the monastery were in a measure broken up; many of the monks had
become disorderly and even licentious, and one of them robbed the
shrine of St. Oswald of a number of jewels, and other valuable
articles, for the purpose of paying a woman in the town the wages of
her prostitution. Others gave themselves up to bacchanalian riots in a
neighbouring tavern, and, instead of devoting their nights to "prayer,"
gave themselves up to the vulgar "company of dancers and ballad
singers."

These irregularities took place in the 19th year of this abbot's rule.
They were, however, speedily terminated by the Bishop of Lincoln, who,
hearing of such notorious infringements of the monastic rules, came in
person to restore those licentious members of the fraternity to their
duty.

Abbot Kirton had many contests with his tenants, "but notwithstanding,"
says Gunton, "he forgat not to enlarge and beautify his monastery, for
he bui