THE CHURCH OF ST. GILES stands at the eastern extremity of the suburb of the Abbey Foregate, the living of which is annexed to that of Holy Cross. It is a small plain building consisting of nave, chancel, and north, aisle, with a small bell turret at the west end. Of its foundation we possess no record, but the structure is doubtless as old as the early part of the twelfth century, and some confirmation is afforded to this conjecture by the arches of the northern and southern doors, having the characteristics of that era. The nave is divided from the side aisle by three pointed arches, sustained on plain round pillars. It is highly probable that the north aisle was made for the accommodation of persons afflicted with leprosy—the hospital of which formerly stood near the church, and from which they had access by a pointed doorway, when they might hear the offices of religion without endangering other worshippers with their contagious malady. A lofty pointed arch separates the nave from the chancel, which is terminated by a flat arched eastern window, which is exquisitely beautified with stained glass, executed by Mr. Evans. The four lower compartments have full length figures of the Evangelists, standing upon hexagonal pedestals. Over each figure is a beautiful canopy of tabernacle work, and the intersections of the tracery contain the symbols of the Evangelists. In the three principal compartments of the upper division, are fine representations of the salutation, the wise men’s offering, and the presentation in the temple. The small lancet window on the north side, contains a figure of the patron saint, St. Giles, exquisitely executed. On the floor are several ancient stones bearing crosses, probably denoting the interment of some of the masters of the old hospital. From an entry in the parish registrar of the date 1655, it appears this church formerly possessed a steeple at the west end. In the steeple was a great bell and two smaller ones, which were taken down in 1672, and used in the following year, with four lesser bells, and the great “Wenefrede bell,” in the recasting of the present ring of bells in the Abbey church. For a long period this venerable edifice exhibited a rude appearance of damp and neglect, and divine service was celebrated only on two Sunday evenings during the year. In 1827, however, the Rev. W. G. Rowland, the liberal donor of the beautiful east window, thoroughly repaired and happily rescued it from the ruin and decay to which in its previous condition it was fast hastening. Subsequently the massive oak benches were removed, and replaced with new ones; a new pulpit and altar screen of oak, beautifully carved in unison with the architecture were added, and the whole building fitted up for divine service by the munificence of the Rev. Richard Scott, who also gave £500 towards augmenting the salary of the officiating minister. Since June, 1836, divine service has regularly been performed on the Sabbath.