So that we do not feel inclined to enter into more detail, in the few remaining notes on the history of the structure.
Dean Gardiner, 1573-89, was a great reformer, and, as we have already noted, pulled down the thirteenth-century Lady Chapel, and as well the chapter-house.
In 1643 the cathedral was taken possession of by Cromwell's soldiers, and the work of spoliation carried on. The organ was probably destroyed at this time, for Dean Crofts set up a new organ in 1660, the case of which was re-modelled in 1833, and still remains. It is also perhaps needless to state that the cathedral was repeatedly whitewashed during the eighteenth century.
In June 1801 a fire broke out in the roof of the nave, but was extinguished before much damage had been done.
The various works effected during this century are mentioned specifically elsewhere in these notes, under the headings of the parts of the building where they have occurred.
