How to Visit the English CathedralsSingleton, Esther
History
How to Visit the English Cathedrals
Singleton, Esther
Cathedrals -- England
At the end of the south-choir-aisle we find the corresponding =Chapel of
Bishop West= (died 1533). This is similar in style to the Alcock chapel,
but less ornate.
Several bishops are buried in this chapel. Though we may care little or
nothing for the careers of the dignitaries who lie there, or who are
perpetuated by monuments, we find among the tombs some fine examples of
sculpture and ornament of the past.
For instance, that of =Bishop Louth= (died 1298), under the first arch of
the presbytery in the south-choir-aisle, is a fine example of Early
Decorated.
In the last arch, before reaching Bishop West’s Chapel, the tomb of
=Bishop Hotham= (died 1337) calls for attention.
Under the four arches of the presbytery on the north, between the stalls
and the altar, is that of =Bishop Redman= (died 1505), a very fine
specimen of enriched Perpendicular work.
Next is the effigy of =Bishop Kilkenny= (died 1256), a fine example of
Early English.
In the next arch a large Decorated structure of two stories, believed by
Scott to have been built by Walsingham as the base for the =Shrine of St.
Etheldreda=, was formerly known as Bishop Hotham’s shrine.
In the arch north of the altar is the tomb of the builder of the
presbytery, =Bishop Northwold= (died 1254), who is represented in full
vestments.
It is only natural that the transepts should show similarity with those
of Winchester, consecrated in 1093, seven years before Simeon of
Winchester came to Ely. He began his work, as we have seen, here, and
got up as far as the triforium. The clerestory was added by his
successor. Alterations took place at later periods, and now both
triforium and clerestory are almost identical with those in the nave.
In the south transept Perpendicular windows of
[Illustration: ELY: EAST END AND LADY-CHAPEL]
[Illustration: ELY: LADY-CHAPEL]
three lights have replaced the western windows of the triforium. Two
large Perpendicular windows ornament the north end and a curious window
of seven lights adorns the south. Galleries, arches, and arcades afford
exceedingly interesting study.
On the east of the north transept are three chapels, one of which has
been restored for private devotion. Old paintings of the Martyrdom of
St. Edmund on the roof have given it the name of =St. Edmund’s Chapel=.
The screen in front dates from about 1350.
From the north transept we enter the =Lady-Chapel=.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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