h
three apses, and those having the aisle carried round as an
ambulatory--the latter is far more common in England, and the former on
the Continent. There are two other notable instances of the three
apsidal arrangement in England: S. Albans, 1077, which is earlier than
Durham; and Peterboro', 1117, which is later than, and was probably
modelled on, Durham. There are many examples of ambulatories--the White
Tower Church (London), Winchester, Gloucester, Worcester, and Norwich
being among them.

[Illustration: Corbel in Choir.]

The apses of Durham are of considerable depth from east to west, the
oblong bay previously mentioned, which is fourteen feet wide in that
direction, adding greatly to this effect. The width of the foundations
is fourteen feet, and the width of the wall has been seven feet. The
diameter of the choir apse from north to south was about thirty-two
feet.

[Illustration: Plan of Norman East End.]

These discoveries are specially interesting, completing as they do the
whole chain, and leading us with very little imagination to see in its
original condition what must have been, and may even now claim to be,
the most noble example of Norman architecture in our country.

[Illustration: Triforium of Nave and Choir.]

[Illustration: Capital in the Nine Altars Chapel.]

The #Nine Altars Chapel.#--Leaving the consideration of what once
occupied the site of the east end of Durham, we will turn our attention
to the beautiful erection which now stands there, the eastern transept,
or, as it is named from the altars of the saints it once contained
beneath its windows, the Chapel of the Nine Altars. It is approached
from the aisles by steps, the floor level being lower than that of the
church proper. It is altogether a remarkable and interesting structure.
With its lightness and loftiness contrasting grandly with the massive
Norman nave and choir, its clustered columns of polished marble
alternating with stone, its fine bold sculpture, its splendid vaulted
roof and rich arcading, it forms a perfect example of the Early English
style. Though regular and symmetrical in general design, the detail
shows great variety, and even irregularity, a quality so often present
in old work, and so much to its advantage. In general character it may
be compared with that at Fountains Abbey, which was built during the
same time.

[Illustration: Capital in the Nine Altars Chapel.]

The circumstances leading to its erection