is a very
complete and almost uniform structure. There are ten bays, all having
round arches; in the triforium each large arch has two smaller ones
beneath it; and in each bay of the clerestory is one high arch and two
smaller ones. The triforium arches in the two easternmost bays, on both
sides, have the hatchet ornamentation in the tympanum; this may either
mark the limits of the old Benedictine choir, or may simply suggest
earlier work. Almost the only indication of distinct later work, as we
proceed towards the west, is in the different forms of the bases of the
piers. The arcading of the aisles curiously changes towards the west in
both aisles, but not at corresponding points; the change consists in
the reversing the interlacing of the arches. The third pillars from the
west end on either side are not really, strictly speaking, pillars at
all. They were built as supports to two western towers which it was
intended certainly to erect at this point, even if they were not at
least in part built. There are many other little details in the
neighbourhood of these piers, all confirming Mr Paley's discovery with
respect to these contemplated towers, one at any rate of which he thinks
was actually erected. The pillars are cylindrical with numerous attached
shafts. In addition to the changed form of the bases, careful observers
can detect proofs of later work in the capitals of the shafts in the
triforium. In front of each pier a shaft rises to the roof; and on these
the original ceiling rested. On some of the piers in the south aisle,
near the west end, may be seen several very curious masons' marks. In
the nave is a very massive pulpit given in 1873 by the family of Dr
James, for forty years Canon, bearing an inscription to his memory. It
is from the design of Mr Edward Barry, and was meant to be in keeping
with the Norman architecture of the nave. The central shaft is of
Devonshire marble, the main body of the pulpit of red Dumfries stone,
and some of the smaller pillars are of green Greek marble. At the angles
are four large figures of the Evangelists. There is a wooden eagle
lectern, carved by the late Rev. R.S. Baker, behind the choir-stalls on
the south side.

[Illustration: The Nave, looking East.]

=The Nave Ceiling= is very curious and remarkable. If originally flat,
and supported on the tall shafts last mentioned, it would be just above
the great arch of the central tower before that was altered from the
round f