104 DALE AEBEY REPORT. 



are very fine, of two orders, with jamb shafts, of which the 

 interior have floriated, and the exterior plain capitals, thus 

 affording an additional proof of the non-existence of an eastern 

 chapel. The jamb of one of the north windows, of the same 

 date as the east one, still remains. This section of the building 

 is of Transitional character, and in all probability the work of 

 Abbot Lawrence, between 1270 and 1285. In the angles are 

 the triple vaulting- shafts, with floriated capitals, which from their 

 lightness, and the absence of traces of a stone vault, doubtless 

 sustained one of wood, of a similar character to that which 

 covers the presbytery of S. Alban's Abbey Church. The ex- 

 cavations showed that almost the whole of the north wall had 

 been removed, excepting a portion of the west end, bearing a 

 wejl moulded plinth. In clearing the area, was found the most 

 interesting object in the building, viz., the stone base of the high 

 altar in situ. Its position and dimensions are remarkable, as it 

 stands 3 ft. 10 ins. from the east wall, and measures no less than 

 12 ft. in length by 3 ft. 6 ins. in width. It has lost its marble 

 covering-slab, and perhaps 2 ft. of its height. The stone base 

 for a reredos, which the inventory informs us was " a table of 

 woode paynted," remains at each end. The choir-stalls occupied 

 the two westernmost bays, and were as usual returned against the 

 rood-screen. The rough double basement walls on which they 

 stood have been uncovered, each being 15 ins. thick, separated 

 by an interval of about 3 ft. These would afford room for about 

 twelve stalls on each side, with three on each side of the entrance. 

 The rood screen was of wood, and double, and stood beneath the 

 eastern arch of the Rood-Tower — the interval between being 5 ft. 

 The central doorway was 4 ft. 6 ins. wide, leaving about 10 ft. on 

 each side. The beautiful panelling which now forms the front of 

 the Hall-pew in Radbourn Church, probably formed the base of 

 part of this screen, which was originally surmounted by a rood- 

 loft, with figures of the Crucifix and SS. Mary and John, and 

 "a payre of organs," which, together with the reredos of the 

 high altar, two candlesticks of brass, a lamp, and the choir-stalls, 

 sold for 20s. at the Dissolution ; whilst the screen itself, or 

 " partition of tymber in the bodye of the Churche," fetched but 



