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The Chapel into which we have now entered is by far the most interesting part of this ancient Church. The features of the building remarkably illustrate the transition from Early English to Decorated Architecture; and the monumental remains exactly confirm by the probable history of the dead, the dates to which the building is to be attributed. The distinguishing points of the building into which we have now entered may be described as consisting of two windows of very striking and original construction, three sedilia and two tombs, one containing an effigy in very good preservation, the other being a coffin tomb of small size but of great richness.

We will describe first the windows.

That to the East consists of a three-light window, in which we see the marks of Early English Architecture departing, and Decorated entering into the architect's mind; the head of the window is composed of circles in compartments, which partake far more of the Decorated style, whilst the mullions and arches of the windows are of Early English formation. The centre light is higher than the side openings; the width of the centre is 2ft., that of the side light 1ft. 8in. each. The foliage of the capitals is very rich, and is of completely Segmental English character; so is the profile of the Bases which have the vertical hollow distinctive of that style. At the further, or West end of this Chapel the corresponding window is of singular construction, size, and beauty. It is completely round, and the same struggle between the two styles of Early English, and Decorated, is to be observed here.

The window is 12ft. in diameter. The mouldings and mullions make up three Segmental triangles, with three intermediate compartments. Each of these triangles contains a circle, and the foliation of this circle appears to be formed by piercing circles which break into each other. The four circular apertures surround a centre, which cuts into them, all forming a complete quatrefoil. The only two instances recorded of an exactly similar construction are in Lausanne and Modena Cathedrals. The compartments between the triangles also contain circles in threes; a plain outer band containing the three rings as it were within a larger ring. This window

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CHURCH. Effigy of Sir Alexander Giffard cir: 1260.

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