Through the indefatigable energy of Dr. Anson, the present Dean, many most important improvements have been introduced into the interior of this noble edifice, which have added very much to its decoration and general effect. In 1843, the munificent sum of £4,000 was contributed for the purpose of giving effect to the praiseworthy object of restoring some portion of the ancient beauties of the Cathedral. A new organ has been erected, of great power and richness of tone, the top of which is carved with tabernacle work, in unison with that of the choir. The old pews, which were sadly out of keeping with the rich Gothic woodwork of the stalls, have been removed, and the choir has been new seated in the Gothic style.
The whole of the choir has been vaulted, which has greatly contributed to its improved appearance. A great number of beautiful stained-glass windows, principally the gifts of private families as obituary memorials, have been introduced since the commencement of the improvements in 1843. The large window of stained glass, at the west end, was presented by Mrs. Hamilton, of Hoole, by whose liberality a splendid restoration of the Lady Chapel has been effected.
The interior of the Cathedral excites a general feeling of admiration, which the exterior fails to realize.
The Church of St. Oswald’s,
as already mentioned, forms the south transept of the choir of Chester Cathedral. After the introduction of regular monks into the monastery of St. Werburgh, anciently dedicated to the Holy Trinity and St. Oswald, the name of this patron saint was retained by that part of the conventual church which was set apart for the uses of the inhabitants of the parish, within which the monastery was placed. This part probably occupied the site of that transept of the Cathedral which forms the present parish church. The name of St. Oswald does not, however, appear to have been originally used for the parish. In the licence of appropriation by William Cornhall, Bishop of Coventry, it is called the parish church of St. Werburgh.
It appears to have been subsequently called the Church of St. Oswald and the Church of St. Werburgh indiscriminately. It was founded in the ninth century by Ethelfleda, Countess of Mercia. So early as 1093, when Earl Leofric introduced regular monks into the Cathedral, that part of it now occupied by St. Oswald’s was set apart for the use of the parishioners, as we have just stated. The abbot and convent afterwards wishing to re-attach it to the Cathedral, built for the parishioners a small chapel, dedicated to St. Nicholas, in the spot where the Music Hall now stands; but they do not appear to have been contented with their new place of worship; for in 1488 we find, from Gastrel’s ‘Notitia,’ that a “composition was made between the Abbot and the parishioners of St. Oswald’s for their new church.” They accordingly re-entered into the south transept, which had been rebuilt by Abbot Ripley, and have ever since used it as their parish church.
St. Oswald’s was formerly in a state of great dilapidation; and was only separated from the aisle of the Cathedral by a slight wooden screen. In 1827 it was thoroughly repaired; the whole was new flagged and pewed, a new pulpit and reading desk added; the old gallery, which was at the west side, taken down, and a new one erected at the south end. The interior was cut off from the aisle by a partition, erected by Dr. Coplestone when Dean, who expended more than £1,000 in various improvements.
St. Oswald’s is a vicarage, in the gift of the Dean and Chapter of Chester Cathedral. The present vicar is the Rev. William Harrison, M.A.
