Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 5.djvu/193

 CHRISTCHURCH, HANTS. 145 numerous oak rood-screens which still remain in many churches in the counties of Somerset, Devon, and ^orf(Jlk: these are so largely pierced by open tracery-work as to form mere slight divisions between the two portions of the church, while the solidity of the comparatively few stone-screens makes a complete barrier between the laity and clergy; on the reli- gious peculiarities involved in these arrangements it is not necessary here to enlarge. The architectural designs of the stone rood-screens gene- rally consisted of a series of niches ; those, however, at Exeter cathedral, and the church of Compton Basset in Wiltshire, differ from others : the former has a loft over a stone vaulting constructed upon pillars and arches, and the latter in addition to these features has its eastern front perforated so as not to present an impenetrable screen. Perhaps these last examples may be quoted as the most pleasing designs, but whatever may be the artistic merits belonging to any of them, it is to be hoped that a consideration for the interesting link which they afford in the chain of archaeological investigation, Avill induce all those who are the guardians of our churches in Avhich they remain to preserve them from wanton destruc- tion. B. Y. CORBELLING: CHRISTCEDRCH. HANTS