The interior of the Abbey is a fine specimen of solid Norman work. The whole is in the massive Norman style except what is beyond the three semicircular arches westward, where there is a very wide pier, on the eastern and western extremities of which are half columns of the arcades, and in the middle is attached a flat pilaster. From hence the nave displays the commencement of a different style, and the Norman gives place to pure Gothic of the fourteenth century. This terminates in a beautiful pointed arch, which divides the tower from the nave, and by the removal of the organ gallery and screen the whole extent of the great western window is now displayed, which certainly imparts a very striking appearance to that portion of the building. The entire window is filled with a series of armorial bearings of some of England’s ancient peerage, as well as a few very modern. It is, in fact, a perfect study of heraldry. There are several monuments of interest, but the most singular is one which stands on the north side of the altar, which at the first view presents the appearance of two tombs, but on examination proves to be only one, the double appearance being given by a centre buttress, which is not carried over the ledge, upon which rest two figures, the head of the one at the feet of the other. They are supposed to represent the “same” individual who had abandoned the military for the eremitical life, but there is not the slightest clue to his name. The walls of the nave, with the pillars and arches, were, in 1855, cleared of their plaster covering; but such a state of dilapidation was developed as to necessitate a thorough restoration, which has been carefully and effectually carried out. It may be proper to mention that on the fall of St. Chad’s, and the demolition of St. Alkmund’s, the walls of which “were in such a sound state as to require a very great amount of labour to remove them,” several ancient monuments found a place within the walls of the Abbey. Of the monastic remains there are only “few and far between.” On the south-west of the church is a malthouse which is supposed to have been part of the monks’ infirmary and chapel. A similar building which stood near the street, and a dormitory attached to the south-west side of the church were taken down in 1836 for the formation of a new line of road. The most striking of the remains is the elegant octagonal STONE PULPIT, in a yard on the right. It is thought to have stood within the refectory, and to have been used as the lectern by the junior monks to read from while the elder brethren were enjoying meals in the dining-room. The interior forms an oriel, the roof being vaulted on eight delicate ribs.