Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 4.djvu/56

44 It has been necessary to enter into some of these details, because, as a large portion of the sepulchral crosses were taken out of the foundations of the tower-piers and north transept, and others were found in the walls of both the transepts, and in the foundations of the Vernon chapel, we are enabled so far to ascertain their date, that a considerable portion, most probably, have been placed there before c. 1110, if not much earlier, and none later than c. 1260; though unfortunately the precise spot where each stone was found could be only in a few instances ascertained. It seemed also desirable to preserve some record to shew what had been the character of the tower-piers and other parts of the fabric, previous to their being taken down in 1841. For though the new work is generally a faithful copy of the old, yet certain alterations, from various causes, became unavoidable, especially in the pillars which support the tower. I am much indebted to William Flockton, Esq., of Sheffield, under whose superintendence the works were executed, for the liberal use of the drawings from which many of the sections, &c., have been made, as well as for much valuable information respecting the condition of the former fabric.

The description of the remaining parts of the church may be briefly stated. The north aisle had been widened, and the wall of the south aisle rebuilt on the Norman foundation, about the same time as the transepts. The doorways, and small windows near the west end have the usual Early English character, the other windows being probably later insertions. The chancel has been rebuilt very early in the Decorated period. It is lighted by three windows on each side, and by two at the east end, which are separated externally by a buttress carried up nearly as high as the top of the arches. Each window is divided by a mullion with plain open head, and the inner arch is stilted in a remarkable manner, producing by no means a pleasing effect.

The Vernon chapel, as was before stated, was constructed late in the Decorated period, c. 1360, upon the walls of the former chapel. The Early English half pillars at each extremity of the arches had been retained, and were very beau-