SNe ee 
REPORT. XXVIl 
some years since to make way for the present Norman window, 
but it has been preserved in Mrs. Tatham’s garden, where I am 
sure any who wishes to see it will be allowed to doso. Two other 
examples of Decorated work are the organ screen and sedilia (date 
1352). This beautiful screen opens into the nave with three 
foliated arches standing on clustered columns. The roof of the 
outer portion is remarkable as being a vaulted ceiling, but having 
the ribs pierced with open work, instead of being filled up, as is 
usual. The vaulting of the choir of Orleans Cathedral is pierced 
in a somewhat similar manner. The side walls are decorated with 
canopied arches, but the eastern ones are plain, as there were most 
probably altars on both sides of the door entering to the choir. 
Between this wall and the backs of the stalls a staircase leads up 
on either side to the loft where once the rood stood, but 
where the organ is placed now. The original construction 
of the choir screen is perhaps one of the most puzzling 
things connected with the architecture of the church. Within 
the choir are stalls—three on either side; the back of the 
one nearest the door on the south side is covered with a rich and 
delicate diaper. This stall was used in later times by the Canon 
in Residence, or Vicar-General. Above the projecting canopies 
of the stalls are a series of blank windows, two being pierced to 
give light to the staircase behind ; the whole terminates in a rich 
moulding, ornamented with carved foliage and masks. The sedilia 
are probably a little later in date than the screen, but not much 
‘less beautiful in execution and detail. In most cases the sedilia 
consist of three seats for the priest, deacon, and subdeacon during 
the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. But here there are five 
seats, which is very unusual: the only other example I can 
call to mind is Furness Abbey. The present level of the 
sanctuary will shortly be extended westward, so that they will 
be able to be used. The canopies and ornamentations have 
been, like the screen, repaired in cement, but so cleverly done 
thats it is hardly possible to distinguish the old work from the 
new. What subjects the figures are intended to mean it is 
difficult to say, except that one group seems to represent the 
