The vaulting of the roof is like that in the choir; the same number of ribs diverging from the slender shafts which run right down to the bends of the arcade. Half-way up these shafts are niches, the brackets and canopies to which are beautifully carved. These are old, but until recently were empty, and no authentic record remained as to what were the characters represented. Dr Stukeley believed that the figures had been those of the five wise and five foolish virgins. This theory has not, however, found sufficient favour to lead to a reproduction of their effigies, for in 1895 the niches were filled with figures of ten virgin saints and martyrs. These were executed by Messrs Farmer & Brindley, from designs by Mr C. E. Kempe, and they may be warmly congratulated on their work. The statues are really beautiful, and are infinitely superior to most of the other modern sculpture in the cathedral. It will be noticed, too, that the figures seem the right size for the niches, instead of being much too large, as in many other cases. The statues are as follow:-- 1. St. Werburga, with pastoral staff and book, and a model of Chester Cathedral at her feet. 2. St. Cecilia, with organ. 3. St. Prisca, with palm branch, and lion at her feet. 4. St. Faith, with sword and rack. 5. St. Catherine, with sword and wheel and open book, treading on a monster. 6. St. Margaret, with book and cross, treading on a dragon. 7. St. Lucy, with palm branch and lamp. 8. St. Agnes, with palm branch and book, and lamb at her feet. 9. St. Agatha, with palm branch and tongs. 10. St. Etheldreda, with crown and pilgrim staff, and pastoral staff and a model of Ely Cathedral at her feet. [Illustration: THE LADY CHAPEL.]