“Between the stalls the floor is one step higher than that of the nave, and at the east end of the stall, there is a further rise of two steps as we pass into the presbytery. Here, on the south side, we see the bishop’s throne--modern work, carved with a view to be in harmony with the stalls, but comparing unfavourably with them in execution. There is a rise of two more steps into the sanctuary, and the altar itself is raised two steps higher; this gives a good effect. Behind the altar is an elaborately carved wooden reredos of modern work, richly painted and gilt.”--(T. P.) A fine ancient screen runs across the arch at the opening of the =Lady-Chapel=. Along the south side of the south-choir-aisle we first come to the vestry, then to the =Jesus Chapel= (now a library), separated from the aisle by a handsome screen of the Sixteenth Century. Then we reach the fine entrance to the =Chapter-House=, beneath a large arch. At the end is the =Fraser= =Chapel=, with an altar cenotaph to the second Bishop of Manchester, James Fraser (died 1885), buried elsewhere. On the north aisle of the choir the space is occupied by the =Derby Chapel=, dedicated to St. John the Baptist. It was the private chapel of the Stanley family, to which the Earls of Derby belong. It was begun by James Stanley (1485-1509), who became Bishop of Ely. He died in 1515 and was buried near the =Ely Chapel=, where the original tomb and brass are still to be seen. CARLISLE DEDICATION: THE HOLY TRINITY. FORMERLY SERVED BY AUGUSTINIAN CANONS. SPECIAL FEATURES: CHOIR AND EAST WINDOW. In the ancient town of North Cumberland--the famous border town appearing so frequently in ballads as “Merry Carlisle”--the Cathedral shares the honours with the Castle. Both date from about 1092. When William Rufus II. rebuilt and fortified Carlisle, he left one Walter, a Norman priest, as governor. He began to build a church and priory, but died in the meantime and Henry I. continued the work. The church was dedicated in 1101; the monastery of Augustinians was founded in 1121; and the Cathedral established in 1133. It was built in the Norman style, a nave with aisles, transepts and a tower at the intersection of the latter. The architect was Hugh, once abbot of Beaulieu. The Norman choir was taken down early in the Thirteenth Century and rebuilt in the Early English style. Two fires--especially the one in 1292--wrought much damage. About the middle of the Fourteenth Century the choir was completed in the Decorated style, and the magnificent East window was also inserted at this time. Robert Bruce took up his quarters in the Cathedral after the Battle of Bannockburn (1314). In 1392 the north transept suffered from fire. Bishop Strickland (1400-1419) restored it and rebuilt the central tower, adding to it a wooden spire. Henry VIII. disestablished the monastery and formed a Cathedral.