Between the chapter-house and the north transept is the short passage called the “Abbot’s Cloister;” and above it the _Chapter Library_,--probably the original library of the monastery. This is a long room, of Perpendicular character, with a roof of dark oak, a row of small windows on the north side, and a large Perpendicular window east. The room has been well and thoroughly restored, and the books properly arranged. The most important manuscripts are--a transcript of Abbot Froucester’s Lives of the Abbots of Gloucester, from the foundation of the monastery to 1381; (the original MS. of this work--unless it be that recently found under the Rolls Chapel--is no longer known to exist. It is said to have disappeared from the Chapter [Illustration: THE CHAPTER-HOUSE. (THE NORMAN PORTION.)] Library at the beginning of the present century. This transcript was made by Dr. Hall, Master of Pembroke College, Oxford. There are others in the library of Queen’s College, Oxford, and in the British Museum).--A Register of Documents relating to the Abbey, also made by Abbot Froucester; and another Register, compiled by the last abbot, Parker, or Malvern. XX. Returning to the _exterior_ of the church, the _west front_ (Abbot MORWENT’s work, 1420-1437, see §§ IV., V.) may first be visited. This is not very rich or striking, but the pierced buttresses of the window, and the parapets of open-work below and above, should be noticed. The composition of Abbot Thokey’s _south aisle_, with its massive buttresses and deeply recessed windows, is unusually fine. On the upper part of the buttresses is a series of figures, finely designed, and well deserving attention. At the _transept_ commences the Perpendicular transformation. The turrets at the angles are Norman, with interlacing arcades above; the cappings are later. The gables are filled with a series of round-headed arches, rising one above another; and traces of the original Norman window-openings remain in the walls. The parapets and windows shew the later alterations. Buttresses of the central tower pass across the east and west sides of the transept. The polygonal shape of the radiating chapels--very unusual in Norman architecture--should here be noticed from the exterior; as well as the manner in which the Lady-chapel is connected with the choir. At the north-west angle of this chapel is a fragment of the original Norman work which belonged to the central apse, and was turned to account in Abbot Horton’s rebuilding of the east end. The light buttresses which support the great east window are pierced so as not to obstruct the light. The central gable of the open parapet above the window retains a figure of our Lord on the cross.