carry the central tower, are, without doubt, of
the time of Carileph. The eastern side of both is certainly his work,
while the western is probably the building which was carried on by the
monks in the interval between Carileph's death, in 1096, and the
appointment of Flambard to the see in 1099. The work on the eastern
sides differs little from that of the choir, while that of the western
sides, being plainer, has been thought by some to indicate a want of
means on the part of the monks, while carrying on the work in the
interval just alluded to. Each transept consists of two bays, with an
aisle on the eastern side, access to which is gained by the ascent of
three steps.

Each of the three sub-bays nearest the north and south extremities
originally contained an altar, those in the north transept being
dedicated to S. Nicholas and S. Giles, S. Gregory and S. Benedict. Over
the site of the latter may still be seen remains of fresco painting. The
altars in the south transept were dedicated--one to S. Faith and S.
Thomas the Apostle, one to our Lady of Bolton and the other to our Lady
of Houghall. The north transept is closed by a large window, which is
the work of Prior Fossor, probably about the year 1362. The window is of
six lights, and the head contains late geometrical tracery. The
architectural feature of this window, especially for its date, is the
transom which crosses the mullions, and which is not visible from the
exterior. Below the transom is a second inner set of mullions supporting
a small gallery, by means of which access may be had to the triforium.
In the year 1512 the window was repaired by Prior Castell, who filled it
with stained glass containing large figures, among others of S.
Augustine, S. Ambrose, S. Gregory, and S. Jerome. From this circumstance
the window became known as the window of the Four Doctors of the Church.
Prior Castell also contrived to introduce a figure of himself kneeling
at the feet of the Virgin. The large window at the end of the south
transept, also named from the glass it contained, the _Te Deum_ window,
is in the Perpendicular style, and is of six lights. It may possibly
have been the work of Prior Wessington, 1416 to 1446. Along the sill of
this window also access may be had to the triforium.

[Illustration: The Transepts, looking North.]

Both the north-west and south-west corners of the transepts contain
stairways, opening at their various levels on to the triforium,
cl