is time
were erected the transepts (_ambae cruces_) and three stages of the
central tower (_tres ystoriae magistrae turris_). This does not contradict
what has been said above as to the eastern part of the transepts being
built in Abbot Martin's time. For the walls and aisles to the east only
would be in position; and his successor might well be credited with the
erection of the transepts, if he built the ends and western walls, and
roofed in the whole. It is tolerably clear also that this same abbot
must have built the two bays of the nave adjoining the central tower. A
tower of three stages, presumably of the massive character that marks
all large Norman towers, must have had some western supports. Two bays
of the nave would act as buttresses; and it is easy to see the
difference between these two bays and the rest of the nave. Apart from
many minute points of difference which only an expert architectural
student could fully appreciate, there is one conspicuous variation which
all can see. This is in the tympanum of the triforium arches; in all
four instances we notice rugged ornamentation here which occurs nowhere
else in the nave.

Exclusive of the western transept we may assign eighty years as the
period during which the Norman Minster was being erected. And it is one
of the most noteworthy points in connection with its architectural
history, and one that has produced the happiest result in the grandeur
of the whole effect of the building upon the spectator, that each
successive architect carried on faithfully the ideas of his
predecessors. The whole work has been continued, as it were, in the
spirit of one design; and the differences in details, while quite
observable when once pointed out, are yet so unobtrusive that they
seldom attract notice. To mention one such instance, Mr Paley calls
attention to the different ornamentation on the windows of the south
transept when compared with those in the north transept, as well as to
the fact that on the south those windows have straight sides to the
inner surface of the wall, while those on the north have the sides
splayed. He justly argues, from these and other considerations, that the
south transept was built first.

To Abbot William of Waterville succeeded Benedict (1177-1193). Of him we
are told that he built the whole nave in stone and wood-work, from the
tower of the choir to the front, and also erected a rood-loft. He built
also the great gate-way at the west o