At the west end of the nave is a peculiarly rich and full-toned organ, made by the celebrated builders Harris and Byfield, in 1729, which has recently been improved by the addition of an octave and a half of pedal pipes.
This instrument stands upon a handsome stone screen, divided into three compartments, formed by as many obtusely pointed arches, and divided by buttresses of two stories, highly decorated with reticulated divisions, containing an open flower in relief; around the inner recesses of the arches are the following inscriptions:—
Venite Domino exultemus
Rupi salutis jutilemus
Jehovam hymnis concinamus
Et grates illi persolnamus—Hallelujah.Jehovam virgints laudate
Senes et pueri celebrate
Psalmis ecclesia sanctorum
Extollat Dominum Dominorum.Laudate carminis clamore
Laudate buccinae clangore
Laudate organo sonoro
Laudate cymbalis et choro.
Above is a series of smaller arches similar in style, having cinque-foil heads, and filled with the like reticulated divisions and ornament, each of the arches being divided by a small plain buttress; the string course is charged with elaborately carved heads of angels, pateras, &c. and the spandrils of the several arches throughout are enriched with elegant and varied foliage, exquisitely sculptured. The whole forming a most prominent and imposing feature to the main entrance of the nave, and will be a permanent monument of the good taste and munificence of the donor, the Rev. W. G. Rowland, M.A.
The screen was designed by and executed under the superintendence of Mr. John Carline, of this town, and is a work creditable to his professional abilities.
THE NORTH TRANSEPT
has a rich and pleasing appearance on entering the church from the eastern door, [48] through a porch which was once a chantry chapel, and connected with the transept by a fine Norman arch.
The triple windows of this and the corresponding transept are filled with small full-length figures in stained glass, bearing their respective insignia, and judiciously placed within ovals of chaste mosaic patterns. The centre of the middle light has the arms of King George the Third, with the following inscription:
Geo. III.
Regum • Optimus •
Gentis • Britannicae •
Olim • Deliciæ • nunc • Desiderium •
Mortalitatem • exuit •
Mens • Jan • Die • 29 • A.D. 1820 •
Anno • Ætat • 82 . Regni • 60 .
On a scroll at the top,