Fig. 462.—Arbroath Abbey. Interior of East End.
away. Beginning at the east end, the eastern wall ([Fig. 462]) is entire for nearly half its height, having an arcade below, and three lancet windows above, with the lower portions of an upper row of similar windows. Somewhat less of the return wall of the south side of the presbytery, which comprises two bays, remains, and adjoining it is the sacristy ([Fig. 463]), a late building in a fair state of preservation. The end wall of the south transept is almost complete, together with a considerable portion of the west wall of the transept ([Fig. 464].) This, being the best preserved portion of the structure, gives a good idea of the grandeur of the church. The whole of the south wall of the nave remains, showing a row of windows and indications of the groining of the aisle ([Fig. 465]). The main or centre aisle was not vaulted, but covered with a wooden roof. Most of the bases of the pillars of the nave
Fig. 463.—Arbroath Abbey. View from South-East. (From a Drawing by the late Mr. Michie, artist.)
Fig. 464.—Arbroath Abbey. South Transept and Sacristy.
are in position, as are also the foundations of the north transept. The fragment of the west end with the two towers left standing ([Fig. 466]) is very striking, and impresses one with the sense of bold, vigorous work rather than of refinement of detail, although there is also a mixture of both, of which the west doorway ([Fig. 467]) is an example. It is round arched, and its outer order, if it may be so called, extends inwards for about five feet, unadorned as a bold and plain tunnel arch, having a