tracery. Above the gable is a further arch, the ribs of which join the
gable at its exterior angles. This arch is further connected with the
gable by a rib running horizontally through the crown of the gable, and
below this rib, on each side of the gable, are circles quatrefoiled.
From the finial at the top of the gable rise three ribs running to the
top of the arch above.

It is impossible to understand the intention of this strange design,
unless we suppose that the architect was determined to cover a certain
blank space of wall at any cost. It is certainly an original effort, but
it cannot be called either beautiful or logical.

The dates of the chapter-house and the vestibule are very doubtful. The
question is discussed in the account of the building of the minster. It
may be mentioned here, however, that the vestibule is later in date than
the chapter-house itself.

The vestibule is a lofty and narrow passage running three bays north
from the end of the transept, and then turning at right angles and
running two bays east until it reaches the chapter-house itself. Just
inside the vestibule will be seen the point at which the Early English
work of the transept is interrupted by the Decorated work of the
vestibule. There is no attempt at continuity. The Early English arcading
breaks off just below the first Decorated window; the Early English
shafts above it run close to the Decorated shafts of that window; while
the Early English vaulting rib is cut off near its crown. It would
appear from this that a passage to the chapter-house was begun and
discontinued before the building of the chapter-house itself. The
present vestibule was certainly built after the chapter-house, and the
exterior parapet mouldings of the chapter-house may be seen within the
vestibule, showing that it was almost an afterthought. Over the doorway
leading into the vestibule is a pattern of blind tracery. Here, and on
many portions of the roof and walls of the vestibule, are traces of old
paintings. The windows are still filled with their magnificent original
glass. The three bays running north are of unequal size, that nearest to
the transept being the smallest, and that farthest away the largest.

The tracery of the two smaller windows is most curious and unusual. The
smallest is also of a very odd shape, being almost as narrow as a lancet
window, with, however, a rather obtuse arch. It is divided into two
lights, which rise without further