The Three Choirs: A Handbook to the Cathedrals of Gloucester, Hereford, and Worcester / A Complete Description of the Buildings, a History of Each Diocese and Biographical Notices of the Bishops

by R. J. King

THE SCREEN OF BISHOP AUDLEY’S CHANTRY.

Plate IX.

from the Lady-chapel by a lofty stone screen with pierced panels. Figures of saints and of religious persons are represented on this screen, which has been restored and painted. The iron-work on the door opening to the staircase is excellent as an example, and should be noticed. The lock bears the Bishop’s initials.

The chapel is five-sided, and is lighted by two windows. There is a third window, opening through the screen into the Lady-chapel. The vaulted ceiling shews the remains of rich colour; and at the east end, over the place of the altar, are traces of a large painting with trees and figures. The upper story has five windows, in which are some good remains of the original glass. On the central boss of the groining is the Virgin, crowned, and surrounded by an aureole of rays. The arms of the Deanery, (Azure, five bends or,) and those of Bishop Audley, appear on other parts of the ceiling, with a shield bearing the initials (R. I.) of some unknown person. The top of the screen forms a parapet, dividing this story from the Lady-chapel. There are no traces of an altar here; and the upper story of this chantry probably served—like those of the chantries of Abbots Farley and Hanley at Gloucester, (see that Cathedral,) which are also attached to the Lady-chapel, and are constructed on a similar plan—as an oratory.

XX. The south-east transept resembles that opposite; but it was perhaps altered from the Norman apse at a somewhat later date. Its details are not so good as those of the north-east transept; and the window tracery is of almost flamboyant character. Bases of the earlier work remain in the walls.

Under the wall dividing the vestibule of the Lady-chapel from this transept is the monument, with effigy, of Bishop Lewis Charlton, (died 1369). Above it is that of Bishop Coke, (died 1646). In a square recess, in the east wall, is the fine bust of a Mr. James Thomas, who is buried near this place; and under it the brass of Sir Richard Delabere, (1514,) and two wives. In the recess, with the bust, are placed some carved Norman capitals, of early character. Under the south wall of the transept are monuments for Bishop Lindsell, (died 1634,) and Dean Harvey, (died 1500); neither of any great interest. Some fragments of brasses are attached to the walls of this transept, but are of little importance. The north-east window has been filled with stained glass by Warrenton, at the sole expense of Lord Saye and Sele, as a memorial of Bishop Huntingford, (1815-1834). The subjects are from the life of St. Peter.

XXI. In the south wall of the south choir-aisle are four arched recesses, of the same date and character (Decorated) as those in the aisle opposite. They contain four Perpendicular effigies; assigned (beginning from the east) to Bishop William de Vere, (died 1199); Bishop Hugh Foliot, (died 1234); Bishop Robert de Betun, (died 1148); and Bishop Robert de Melun, (died 1167). On the floor is the fine brass of Dean Edmund Frowsetoure, (died 1529,) in a richly diapered cope. Among the figures in the canopy are those of St. Ethelbert and of St. Thomas Cantilupe.

Between the two easternmost piers of the choir is the monument, with effigy, of Bishop Mayew, (1504-1516; see Pt. II.) The elaborate canopy has been restored, so far as any authority remained for the details. The panels in front of the monument are filled with figures of saints. The effigy, fully vested, and wearing a richly jewelled mitre, should be especially noticed. Under an arch opening to the choir, in the next bay, is a Perpendicular effigy assigned to Bishop de Losinga, (died 1096). Above it is a fragment of good wooden screen-work, of Decorated character.