The fourth window, executed by Mr. Hughes, contains subjects
from the parables--the wheat and tares, the vineyard, and
the lost sheep; and the miraculous draught of fishes,
designed as a memorial of Eliza, widow of Canon Fardell.
The fifth window, executed by Mr. Ward, contains in the two
western lights subjects from the parable of the ten virgins;
and in the others illustrations of the passage in Matt. XXV.
35, 36. "I was an hungered and ye gave me meat," &c.;
designed as a memorial of Rev. H. Fardell, Canon of Ely.
At the end of this aisle, occupying the space of one bay, is the
+Chapel of Bishop Alcock+, (1486-1500), who was comptroller of works
under Henry VII., and founder of Jesus College, Cambridge. The chapel
is in the Perpendicular style, and was built A.D. 1488, as appears
from a stone found underground some years ago, and inserted in the
wall under the east window, bearing the following inscription,
scarcely legible:
"+Johanes Alkoc epus Eliesis hanc fabrica fieri fecit.
M.cccclxxxviii.+"
The ornamental portion is curiously executed, but the pinnacles are
disproportioned and crowded, presenting a confused and heavy
appearance; the vaulted ceiling is rich and elaborate, with a large
pendent of curious workmanship in the centre. The principal entrance
is on the west, but there is a door on the south side; and the
bishop's tomb is on the north side with a window behind containing
some fragments of stained glass. It is probable from its appearance
that the monument contained two effigies, one representing the bishop
in his pontifical robes and another on a higher ledge, which
represented a body in a state of decay, as contrasting life and death.
A carved oak door at the foot of the monument appears as an entrance
to a chantry, or as by some supposed to have been a confessional. The
bishop was buried in the centre of the chapel; his favorite device--a
rebus of his name--a cock standing on a globe, and his arms may be
seen in the window and in several other places. The chapel has been
much defaced and many figures and ornaments have disappeared, but
something has been done towards restoration at the cost of the Master
and Fellows of Jesus College; the new portion of the floor was laid at
the cost of the Rev. Lord Aylwyne Compton; and we hope ere long to see
the east window filled with stained glass, which will contribute much
to its improvement.
+The Retro-Choir.+
This occupies the space of the two eastern bays of the Cathedral,
allowing a passage behind the altar-screen from one aisle to the
other, and affords a good position for a closer inspection of the
lower portions of the east window, under which are some remains of
ancient decoration on the wall.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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