238 
Aofynton any Aritford Churches. 
By C. H. Tarpor, Esq. 
Downton Cuurcu.! 
G muls is a large cruciform church with a central tower.? It 
is of considerable interest, and was partially restored in 
1860, but it stands in need of further careful restoration. The old 
work ranges from Norman to Perpendicular. 
The nave has aisles, and arcades of five arches each, It is divided 
broadly in its architectural character into two parts. The three 
west bays have Norman arches, transitional in so far as they are 
pointed ; but, whilst the pillars are of equal height on each side, the 
arches on the north are considerably the highest. This difference 
probably implies that the latter were built latest, but the exact ex- 
planation is not apparent. The two east bays have Early English 
arches, those to the south verging on Decorated. 
The Norman arcade, on the south side of the nave, has in part 
been modernised.* The cap of the west respond is original: the 
caps of the two pillars and of the east respond are, I think, modern 
imitations, and appear to be generally imitated from those of the 
1This church was visited by the Society, on August 25th, 1876. Iam in- 
debted to the Key. Prebendary Payne for information kindly supplied to me, ou 
subsequent occasions, when I revisited it. 
2The tower, which had been raised by the Harl of Radnor, in 1791, was 
again reduced in the late restoration to a height which may correspond fairly 
with that of the original tower; and this must be a great improvement, as the 
tall tower cannot have looked well, and inflicted an unnecessary weight on the 
supports. Its upper story is modern, and the parapet and pinnacles, which 
crowned Lord Radnor’s tower, have been replaced, as a finish to the reduced 
work. These features, as might be anticipated, are of little interest, and do not 
add to the attractions of the church. 
3 The arch masonry does not show evidences of antiquity, but that I think is 
owing to its being concealed by modern work. 
