e stone-work, also, above the pillars,
is drawn off at the angles just below the timber-work of the bell floor.
On the whole, I never witnessed a more awful monument of the fallibility
of human skill than the tower of Hereford Cathedral at this moment
presents."
In addition to the report of the architect the Chapter availed themselves,
on recommendation of the Bishop, of the opinion of Professor Willis, of
Cambridge. This gentleman, after the most minute scrutiny and
indefatigable labour, produced his elaborate and well-known report. He
essentially corroborated the architect, especially as to the general state
of the tower; and, under the strenuous exertions of Dean Merewether, the
great work of restoration was commenced. The tower contains a fine peal of
ten bells in the key of C. A new clock was erected in 1861, which strikes
the hours and quarter-hours.
*The North Transept.*--Passing through the north arch of the tower we come
into some of the most interesting parts of the Cathedral. The transept
beyond was entirely rebuilt for the reception of the shrine of Bishop
Cantilupe, when his body was removed from the Lady Chapel in 1287, after
the miracles reported at his tomb had already largely increased the
revenues of the Cathedral. The unusual shape of the arches and the fine
and effective windows of this transept render it one of the most
distinguished English specimens of the style.
[Illustration: NORTH ARCH OF CENTRAL TOWER, SHOWING MASONRY ERECTED ABOUT
1320.]
NORTH ARCH OF CENTRAL TOWER, SHOWING MASONRY ERECTED ABOUT 1320.
On the north is a window with triple lights on each side of a group of
banded shafts, the tracery above being formed of circles enclosing
trefoils. The heads of the lights are sharply pointed.
The west side has two lofty windows recessed inside triangular-headed
arches, which completely fill the two bays. They have three lights each,
and are exactly similar to the windows on the north side of the transept.
Surrounded by alternate shafts of sandstone and dark marble, a clustered
pier divides the eastern aisle of the transept into two bays. These shafts
have foliated capitals, and the bases have knots of foliage between them.
With the exception of one string of dog-tooth ornament the mouldings of
the main arches are plain.
Above is the interesting triforium stretching across the Norman arch
opening to the choir-aisle beyond the transept it
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