The length of the choir and presbytery is 59 feet, and the width 26 feet. The aisles of the transept return along each side of the choir for two bays, leaving the length of the aisleless presbytery 24 feet.
The plan or outline of the walls of the church, as above described, is still almost all preserved, but the superstructure has suffered severely. The western part of the nave beyond the rood screen is very greatly demolished. The portion eastwards from the rood screen is in better condition. The vaulting of the aisles ([Fig. 767]) remains, and is in good preservation; but that of the centre aisle is demolished, a pointed tunnel vault ([Fig. 768]) having been constructed in 1618, as above described. A few courses of the springing of the original groins, seen rising above the vaulting shafts of each bay, have been left standing. The level cornice at the springing of the inserted arch defaces the clerestory windows, and builds up the upper half of them in the interior. The roof over the arch is composed of slabs of stone carefully dressed (see [Figs. 766] and [769]). The carved work of the caps of the piers and other enrichments of this portion of the nave are well preserved and are of beautiful workmanship ([Fig. 770]).
The eight chapels which extend along the south side of the nave are in good preservation, although some parts of the three furthest west are somewhat damaged and have lost their vaulting. That of the remaining five still exists, and is protected by a flat slated roof, which stretches
Fig. 766.—Melrose Abbey. Nave, from South-West.
Fig. 767.—Melrose Abbey. South Side of Nave.