Fig. 841.—St. Giles’ Collegiate Church. Junction of Vault of South Transept.
specially observable in the vaulting, the vaults of the transept having to be carried on arches which rest on corbels, inserted in the arches of the aisles, in an awkward manner (see [Fig. 829] and [Fig. 841]). The east window of the north transept, which had been long obscured by a structure built against it, was recently discovered and opened up. It is of good, but late, decorated work ([Fig. 842]), and probably gives an idea of the mullions which, no doubt, formerly existed in the windows of the nave and choir, but which have been removed and traceries of 1829 substituted. The details of this window, as shown in Fig. 842, are the only original window details now remaining in the church. The window is of three lights, with an arched transom ornamented with battlements, like some windows at Melrose. In the interior very elaborate niches were found, with ornamental canopies, which have been unfortunately much destroyed. Over the windows, on the outside, there were in position two corbels, supporting the wall-head parapet. As these would have been concealed by the vaulting of the Chambers aisle (which was recently inserted), they were built into the piers at the arch springers of the entrance to that aisle. Amongst the rubbish cleared out in opening up this window, a rude Norman capital was found built into the wall.
The north transept was considerably widened, in 1829, by setting back the west wall and wheel stair. A portion of the old arcading is still visible at the break on the west side.
It has been mentioned above that Sir William Preston of Gorton was a benefactor of St. Giles’. In 1454, after much trouble and expense abroad, and aided by “a high and mighty prince, the King of France, and many other Lords of France,” he succeeded in obtaining an arm bone of the Patron Saint, which he generously bequeathed to the church. The Town Council were so gratified with the gift that they resolved to add an aisle to the choir in commemoration of the event, and to place therein a tablet of brass narrating the bounty of Sir William. This aisle was to be built within six or seven years, “furth frae our Lady Isle where the said William lyis.” From this it appears that the south aisle of the nave was known as the lady chapel, and that Sir William had been buried there. The above resolution was carried into effect, and a new aisle, called the Preston Aisle (see [Fig. 824]), was constructed to the south of the lady chapel. In carrying this out the south wall opposite the three westmost bays of the choir was removed, and three arches carried on two piers substituted ([Fig. 843]). These piers and arches correspond with the work of the same period at the east end of the choir. The vaulting is also of a similar light and elegant character, and has similar intermediate ribs or tiercerons and ridge ribs. The vaulting is raised considerably above the arches next the aisle, and is carried on caps, which have short shafts resting on corbels. One of these contains a shield bearing the three unicorns’ heads of the Prestons.
Section of Mouldings of Window Jamb and Niche.