Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 4.djvu/54

42 from its greater importance, distinguished by the name of the Newark, (new work,) a title which it still retains. It was a fine example of the peculiar beauties of the Early English style, with its lofty sharp-pointed arches, and all the mouldings bold and well expressed. On the west side were three long, narrow lights. The south front must have presented a striking effect before the gable was taken down, and the straight parapet added. Its central doorway was enriched with tooth moulding, and divided by a clustered shaft with a circle in the head; above was a lofty window of four lights, with circles in the intersections, bearing a close resemblance to geometrical tracery; indeed, the mouldings of the mullions, as shewn by a drawing made before this front was taken down, are so like the Decorated, and the use of a shaft in the outer splay so much larger than its nook, is so un- usual, that one can hardly help suspecting the window has been altered from its original design at a somewhat later period. Traces of featherings in the circles were discovered, and have been restored in the new work. The present side shafts, which have been faithfully copied from the old, have a singularly unpleasing effect, from the cause above stated, being like three-quarter shafts set against a flat wall without any relief.

The east wall of this transept had been originally pierced with Early English arches, leading into side chapels; for there is no doubt the Vernon chapel was constructed on what were the original walls up to the window sill, as the same base-mouldings and string-course are continued along both the transept and chapel. The north transept has been altered or rebuilt either at the same time, or, at all events, within a very few years after the tower and south transept. And the windows are a late insertion.