Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 2.djvu/27

Rh nicety might take away from character, just as wood- work cut by a machine is, owing to its very finish, far inferior in effect to that which is cut by the hand, and shews the mark of the knife or chisel. We have already remarked the difference between the north and south range of arches in the nave. The mouldings at the base of the piers differ, though the capitals are nearly alike. The external divisions do not correspond with the internal ones; for the parapet along the nave is divided by the pinnacle into two equal parts, whereas the interior has three arches between the western wall and the western pier of the tower. The width of the two aisles differs by a few inches, and the east window does not stand in the exact centre of the front. These discrepancies, slight as they are, are still remarkable in a building which exhibits so much uniformity in design, and carefulness in execution.

We have seen, by the measurements, that the base of the tower is not an exact square; neither is the octagon above it equilateral. But the spire is more nearly, if not altogether so, which renders necessary a peculiar construction at its junction with the octagon; this is shewn in the accompanying cut.

The following references to the figures in the ground-plan, will shew what are the principal objects of interest in the church.

1. The Communion Table.—This is of alabaster, being taken principally from a very rich tomb in another part of the church. Its front and sides are elaborately worked with open arches, pinnacles, and crocketed canopies, with several figures. The round and elliptical arch are freely used, and there are other marks which shew it to be of the latest period.

2 and 3. Small monumental tablets of the latter part of the sixteenth century.

4 and 5. Piscina and Sedilia. The latter are of rather a bold than elaborate style of workmanship; they consist of three depressed pointed arches, divided at the heads by small sunk triangles, as in the vestry windows: they are trefoiled. The mouldings of the piscina are somewhat richer, and