The small Norman loop-hole on the north side contains a figure of St. Giles, and is an exquisite imitation of ancient stained glass. On the south side of the chancel is a low pointed arch, the stone-work of which projects outside the building, and was no doubt originally intended to contain the remains of a master of the hospital. After the plaister had been removed in 1826, which brought to view this archway, the ground at its base was opened, when a stone grave cased with brick-work was discovered, with part of the bones of two individuals. In 1685 it appears to have been used for the interment of the individual whose name is inscribed on the stone, and to prevent (if possible) that ejection of himself which must have befallen the remains of a former tenant, it is further added STVR NOT MY BONES WHICH ARE LAYDE IN CLAYE FOR I MVST RISE AT THE RESVRRECTION DAY. THE INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH [Picture: St. Giles’ Church—Interior View] Possesses much of its primitive character, being unencumbered with pews, and until the last few years exhibited a still more rude appearance of damp and neglect. Many important improvements, however, have been effected within and around the building, especially in placing drains around the exterior, which have not only rendered the interior free from damp, but contributed also to the dryness of the cemetery. The alterations in the nave consist in levelling and repairing the floor, ceiling the roof, and appropriately colouring the walls and rafters; removing the pulpit from the corner of the fine arch leading into the chancel to the south-east corner of the nave, and placing stone tracery of a bold design in the large pointed window of the south wall. The windows of the north aisle are filled with fragments of stained glass ingeniously disposed, so as to represent the outline of figures. {82} In feet, whoever has visited this ancient church during its former wretched state will be astonished; it now truly looks “As though we own’d a God, adored his power, Rever’d his wisdom, loved his mercy.” And its sacred walls will, it is to be hoped, no more echo with the twittering of birds,—the sparrow find a place of security over the altar, or the swallow be permitted to “build her brooding nest” above its antique pulpit; altho’ these are striking resemblances of the tranquillity and peace which the means of grace are to a christian, and which seem to inhabit the house of the Deity. But the sentiment which this venerable place impressed was in some measure checked by its disuse, divine service being only celebrated within its walls twice a year.