86 YORK: WITH A FEW NOTES ON BEVERLEY. 
is probably due to the fact that, as Mr. Fergusson (a great authority 
on architecture) observes, “the open spacing of its wide arches 
prevents any sense of mystery, as one sees through the building in 
every direction,” and:in this I agree. The nave of the stately 
Norman cathedral at Peterborough, which is only four-fifths of the 
width of York, is much more impressive by reason of its immense 
piers and narrow arches. 
But the interior effect of the Minster is much enhanced by the 
quantity of stained glass it can boast of. 
In the North Transept are the far famed ‘‘ Five Sisters.” These 
are the finest and largest group of English lancet windows in the 
kingdom, and are not surpassed in effect by any Decorated or 
Perpendicular window. They are each five feet seven inches wide, 
and are about sixty feet high. These windows are filled with 
grisaille glass, and the effect on entering the Minster by the South 
door is wonderfully attractive. 
The South Transept is a fine specimen of the Early English 
style, and has been lately restored. The Rose, or Wheel window 
in the gable of this Transept is thirty feet in diameter, and is a 
very noble example of this kind of window (perhaps the finest in 
England). 
There are two or three tombs in the East Aisle, of which perhaps 
the most beautiful is that erected to Dean Duncombe. It contains 
some exquisite sculpture. 
We must now consider the Tower. This is 188 feet clear 
in height inside, and is supported on four arches rog feet in 
height. It is 213 feet high outside and is 65 feet square, 
and is said to be the most massive tower in England. It has a 
most magnificent appearance from the Nave looking upwards, 
the upper part above the arches being very rich in detail, and the 
great Perpendicular windows on each side adding much to the 
effect. 
Between the east piers of the Tower is placed the Rood Screen 
supporting the Organ. In consequence of the Choir not being 
central with the Nave, the entrance under the screen is not in the 
centre, there being more divisions on one side than the other. 
TAD Ai ter el 1 
