arcade, with a passage in the thickness of the wall. Externally, the windows of the clerestory of the north transept are plain pointed arches. Throughout the building the windows are mostly designed as triplet lancets, enclosed in one pointed arch ([Fig. 559]). In some cases the enclosing arch
Fig. 559.—Pluscarden Priory. View from South-East.
Fig. 560.—Pluscarden Priory. East Side of South Transept.
assumes a segmental pointed form, which enables the side lancets to be carried higher than in the ordinary arch. This is observable in the clerestory of the south transept (east side), both in the exterior and interior (see [Figs. 559] and [560]). The mode in which the face of the wall in the inside of the clerestory passage is carried in this position is very effective, and well worthy of notice. A somewhat similar arrangement is carried out in the clerestory on the west side of the south transept ([Fig. 561]), but is modified over the arch into the nave, so as to allow of the wall passage being carried up a few steps in the thickness of the wall. This arrangement forms a kind of triforium. The moulded work of the transepts is simple, and the shafts, caps, and arch mouldings are distinctly of first pointed date. But this part of the structure has been dreadfully damaged, the shafts of the piers, with their caps and bases, having all been burned, and have crumbled away, presenting a most disfigured appearance. This appears to have been the result of the fire afterwards referred to.