ed. Its cost was principally borne
by Lord John Neville, though the Priors Fossor and Berrington and the
subordinate cells of Jarrow and Monkwearmouth were also contributors.
The screen is of stone--very light and graceful, and originally
contained in the niches 107 figures, which have unfortunately been
destroyed.

Bishop Walter de Skirlaw, who occupied the episcopal throne from 1388 to
1405, was a great builder. To him mainly we owe the present cloisters,
though they were completed by his successor, Cardinal Langley, in 1418.

The monks' dormitory on the western side of the cloister is also of this
time. On the southern side was the refectory. This portion was rebuilt
by Dean Sudbury between 1661 and 1684 and converted into a library, and
such it remains to-day.

Near the refectory is the kitchen, built by Prior Fossor. It is
octagonal in plan, and possesses a fine groined roof. It is now attached
to the deanery, and known as the dean's kitchen.

We must now turn our attention to the erection of the present central
tower. The belfry added by Hugh de Derlington was in 1429 struck by
lightning and set on fire. It must after this have been repaired in some
way, but in 1456 it was in a very unsafe and dangerous condition, as the
following letter written by the prior, William Ebchester, to Bishop
Neville testifies:--

"The Belfry of your church, both in its masonry and timber, in
consequence of winds and storms is so enfeebled and shaken, that
doubts are entertained of its standing for any length of time. We
have called in workmen in both capacities, and they have reported to
us that three of its sides are out of perpendicular, that many of
the Key and cornerstones of its windows have fallen out, that in
other respects it is defective, and that besides, its woodwork is in
a state of great decay so that it cannot be expected to stand for
any length of time. Some are of opinion that the belfry should be
totally removed as it cannot stand longer; others on the contrary,
wish it to be perfectly restored; a thing which exceeds our means,
unless we have the advantage of charitable aid. In this state of
doubt and hesitation, we have recourse to you, as members to their
head, presuming not to engage in any such great and stupendous
alteration with reference to your church, without your advice.

"If, which God forbid, the tower should fall, the solemn fabric of