The ruins of the building, which apparently was erected soon after that time, still survive. ([Fig. 381.]) They consist of a quadrangle about 68 feet square, having the church on the north side; foundations of the chapter house and other apartments on the east side; and the refectory on the south side. There may have been other buildings on the west side, as the walls are broken at the ends; but, if so, they are now removed.
The church is an oblong structure, 58 feet in length by about 20 feet in width. It has been divided into nave and choir, and has had a northern aisle extending along both.
The choir is about 20 feet square, and has been vaulted. It is separated from the nave by a group of shafts at each side ([Fig. 383]), which supported a round arch with early mouldings ([Fig. 382]), and there are
Fig. 381.—The Nunnery, Iona. Plan.
vaulting shafts in the angles of the east wall. The choir has had two windows to the east, separated by a small piece of wall. The floor is raised two steps above the level of the nave. There is a doorway in the north wall leading into the eastern portion of the aisle, which may have been the Lady Chapel or sacristy. This building is vaulted, and has an upper story, approached by a very narrow stair in the thickness of the north wall.
The chapel on the ground floor has had an altar to the east, and a piscina in the south wall. The east window is a mere slit, and has a straight-sided arch head, doubtless a late insertion.
The arch in the west wall of this chamber ([Fig. 384]) has Norman responds and mouldings, and the groins of the vault have simple rolls.