The monuments of Bishop Redman and Kilkenny, which we noticed in our survey of the Choir, are in their original places; and we now pass in succession those of Bishops Patrick (1691-1707), Mawson (1754-1770), and Laney (1667-1675). In 1770 many monuments were removed from the Presbytery to make room for the Choir, and a few were again removed for the purpose of carrying out the recent arrangements. In the last bay but one (now opening to the Retro-Choir) stood the monument of Bishop Gray (1454-1478), but the gravestone only remains, from which the brass has been removed. The arms of this prelate may be observed in the sides of three of the windows of this aisle, no doubt altered by him to their present form.
The first or western window of the Presbytery has been filled with stained glass executed by M. Lusson, of Paris, illustrative of the history of St. John the Baptist; the gift of the Rev. Chancellor Sparke.
The second window, executed by Messrs. Clayton and Bell, contains subjects illustrative of the miracles; designed as a memorial of the Rev. J.H. Sparke, many years Canon of the Cathedral, and Chancellor of the Diocese.
The third window, by the same artist, also contains subjects illustrative of the miracles; designed as a memorial of Agneta, widow of Chancellor Sparke.
The fourth window, executed by Mr. Hughes, contains subjects from the parables—the wheat and tares, the vineyard, and the lost sheep; and the miraculous draught of fishes, designed as a memorial of Eliza, widow of Canon Fardell.
The fifth window, executed by Mr. Ward, contains in the two western lights subjects from the parable of the ten virgins; and in the others illustrations of the passage in Matt. XXV. 35, 36. "I was an hungered and ye gave me meat," &c.; designed as a memorial of Rev. H. Fardell, Canon of Ely.
At the end of this aisle, occupying the space of one bay, is the Chapel of Bishop Alcock, (1486-1500), who was comptroller of works under Henry VII., and founder of Jesus College, Cambridge. The chapel is in the Perpendicular style, and was built a.d. 1488, as appears from a stone found underground some years ago, and inserted in the wall under the east window, bearing the following inscription, scarcely legible:
"Johanes Alkoc epus Eliesis hanc fabrica fieri fecit.
M.cccclxxxviii."
The ornamental portion is curiously executed, but the pinnacles are disproportioned and crowded, presenting a confused and heavy appearance; the vaulted ceiling is rich and elaborate, with a large pendent of curious workmanship in the centre. The principal entrance is on the west, but there is a door on the south side; and the bishop's tomb is on the north side with a window behind containing some fragments of stained glass. It is probable from its appearance that the monument contained two effigies, one representing the bishop in his pontifical robes and another on a higher ledge, which represented a body in a state of decay, as contrasting life and death. A carved oak door at the foot of the monument appears as an entrance to a chantry, or as by some supposed to have been a confessional. The bishop was buried in the centre of the chapel; his favorite device—a rebus of his name—a cock standing on a globe, and his arms may be seen in the window and in several other places. The chapel has been much defaced and many figures and ornaments have disappeared, but something has been done towards restoration at the cost of the Master and Fellows of Jesus College; the new portion of the floor was laid at the cost of the Rev. Lord Aylwyne Compton; and we hope ere long to see the east window filled with stained glass, which will contribute much to its improvement.