THE SOUTH TRANSEPT.
The beauty of the South West Campanile is well displayed in the present view. To the east of the small entrance door, which gives access to the geometrical staircase, is the Chapel of the Order of St. Michael and St. George, at one time used as the Consistory Court, in which ecclesiastical cases relating to the diocese were heard. Above the Chapel are seen the three windows of the Library.
The Transept itself with its graceful pillars, its lofty pediment surmounted by colossal figures of the Apostles, is a very pleasing composition. Perhaps this particular campanile is seen to the best advantage as it is approached from Cannon Street on a summer’s evening. The effect of the light of the westering sun is singularly charming.
It should have been mentioned in the previous note, had space permitted, that the Choir was opened for Divine Service on December 2, 1697, on the Thanksgiving Day for the Peace after the Treaty of Ryswick; the Morning Prayer Chapel being opened a little later.
THE SOUTH TRANSEPT.
THE WESTERN END OF THE NAVE.
This portion of the Cathedral is of especial dignity. The great height of the entrance arch, the massive doors, the noble space, the fine view north and south of the lateral Chapels, with their carved oak screens, the broad span of the side arches, the height of the vaulting and its careful decoration, combine to make this entrance of the Cathedral very imposing. If the visitor enters by the great western doors, he cannot fail to be impressed by the grand view which presents itself, the fine Nave, the broad Transepts, the lofty Reredos, more than 400 feet distant; and, as he paces eastward, at every step some fresh beauty reveals itself. Most impressive of all it is to see, on the occasion of some great festival, the vast spaces of Choir, Transepts, Dome area, and Nave crowded with worshippers, every seat occupied, and hundreds of people filling such standing room as remains. In one of the Annual Musical Services a short pause is made for silent prayer, and the stillness of the great multitude, after the strains of Bach’s immortal Passion Music, is wonderfully solemn.
THE WESTERN END OF THE NAVE.