The Norman pier remains at the north-east angle of the chapel, with the addition of a Perpendicular base, and a panelled ornament cut into it. Between the reredos and the east wall is a Perpendicular arch, which assists in carrying the east window, and is so contrived as to relieve the slight Perpendicular pier adjoining of the weight of the superstructure, which it was not strong enough to bear. The construction of all this east end of the choir, which is very ingenious, is best seen in the triforium, (§ XVI.)
XIV. The termination of the Norman choir, as has already been mentioned, was polygonal, with a central and two side chapels. This original arrangement still remains in the crypt, (§ XVII.); but the central chapel at the east end of the choir, which had been undisturbed by the erection of the great east window, was altered about a century later, when the Lady-chapel was commenced. The walls of the ante-chapel, by which this is entered, are in fact those of the Norman apsidal chapel, pierced on either side by a Perpendicular window, and having a rich panelled lierne vault, crossed by a double row of pendants. The upper story of the ante-chapel was the Norman chapel of the triforium. This portion is separated from the Lady-chapel by a screen of open-work, through which is seen the vaulted roof, and three windows at the west and on either side. The west window looks across the low gallery intervening between it and the east window of the choir, (see § V.) The arch carrying the screen of the upper chapel, and forming the eastern termination of the lower roof, is bordered in front by a series of foiled panels, having shields in their centres.
All this work, together with the Lady-chapel itself, is due to Abbot Hanley, (1457-1472,) and his successor, Abbot Farley, (1472-1498). It was the last great work of the monastery, and worthily closes the fine series of Perpendicular structures, (the re-casing of the choir, the cloisters, the tower, and the Lady-chapel,) which rank among the most interesting and important in England.
The Lady-chapel consists of four bays, with a square-sided eastern end, and small square-sided chapels of two stories, projecting from the third bay on either side. Each bay is nearly filled by a lofty Perpendicular window of four divisions. The lights of the two upper tiers are simply foiled. Those below are richer, with ornamented headings. In the wall below the window is a plain arcade of foiled arches, with a quatrefoil above. The narrow bit of wall which remains in each bay is panelled with tracery corresponding to the divisions of the windows; and in the three principal tiers has brackets and rich canopies for figures. The brackets are angels bearing scrolls. Vaulting-shafts run up between these panels; and above is a superb lierne roof,—one of the best and purest examples of such a roof in the Perpendicular period. The bosses are entirely of leafage, and are very numerous. Traces of colour remain on the walls, and on some of the canopies; and the headings of the window lights retain their original stained glass.
The effect of the side chapels is unusually picturesque. Each is of two stories; the roof of the upper on a level with the upper series of wall panellings on either side. A sharply-pointed arch, with pierced panellings above and an open parapet below, forms the front of the upper chapels; the lower are closed in front by a rich screen-work, corresponding to the window divisions. The east end of the Lady-chapel is entirely filled by a Perpendicular window of three divisions, the design of which resembles those at the sides. The glass in this window is original, and very good, although not equal to that in the great east window of the choir. The extent to which white and yellow are employed in it should be noticed.
Below the window was a rich mass of tabernacle-work, now effectually smashed. Over the altar were three main niches, with pedestals for figures. There are fragments of brackets and canopies in the smaller divisions; and the whole shews remains of colour, gilding, and enamelling. The designs at the back of the principal niches should be especially noticed.
Much of the original tiling remains on this part of the floor. The tiles bear inscriptions, “Dũe Jhũ miserere;” and “Ave Maria grã. plẽ.” In the centre is a device of roses with leaves. Below the window on the south side are three sedilia, with graceful pendent canopies. The backs are panelled.
The side chapel on the north has a groined roof, in which the cusps of the foils and other portions are pierced with minute circular hollows, adding much to the elaborate effect. The panelling of the west wall has been filled by the upper part of the monument of Bishop Godfred, (died 1604). Below is an altar-tomb with effigy. The upper chapel, or oratory, is approached by a staircase on the west side, opening from the bay below; it has a lierne roof, with bosses of leafage. The south chapel resembles the north; and contains a flat altar-tomb for Thomas Fitzwilliams, (died 1579: it was repaired by his descendants in 1648). The east window is covered by the hideous monument of Bishop Nicholson, (died 1671). The upper chapel resembles that opposite. These chapels were apparently the chantries of the two abbots who built the Lady-chapel; the upper stories, in which there is no trace of an altar, serving as oratories.
On the north side of the Lady-chapel is a monument with effigy for Elizabeth Williams, daughter of Bishop Miles Smith of Gloucester, (died 1622). Below, again, is a full-length statue of Sir John Powell, (died 1713)[20].
XV. The south choir-aisle resembles that opposite. The south-east chapel opening from it retains its Norman work more completely than the north-east. The Norman arches and windows remain; the latter filled with Perpendicular tracery. As in the chapel opposite, the altar did not front due east.