Upon the south side of the church is a stone porch of early Norman architecture. Its outward arch is circular, with diagonal or zig-zag mouldings, the inner rib obtusely pointed. The small pointed windows on each side are curious specimens of the very earliest rudiments of the mullioned window. The ceiling also presents an example of the most ancient kind of groined vault, and consists of four round massive ribs crossing each other in the centre, without any boss or ornament. The semicircular arch of the interior door is a good specimen of the style of building in fashion from the conquest to the days of Henry II. The north door is an elegant example of this ancient kind of building. Formerly it was an unsightly wooden porch, which was removed in 1801. The arches of the north and south doors of the transept are in the same early style. The decorations of the latter are rather uncommon, having lozenge pannels placed alternately, and each filled with an embossed flower. The side aisles, with the upper story of the nave and choir, have pointed windows with mullions, while those of the transept are long and lancet shaped, without any. The higher walls of the nave were, in the repair of 1786, very injudiciously raised some feet above their original level, which altogether destroys the ancient proportions, and gives the whole building a top-heavy appearance. Formerly the church was crowned with pinnacles, which issued from the spaces between each window and the corner buttresses of the transept and choir, but now, excepting those on the chapel, not one remains. Within, the church is spacious, lofty, interesting, and from its venerable and solemn appearance, admirably adapted to the purposes of religious meditation. As chanced, the portal of the sacred pile Stood open, and we entered. On my frame, At such transition from the fervid air, A grateful coolness fell, that seem’d to strike The heart, in concert with that temperate awe And natural reverence which the place inspired. WORDSWORTH.