232 RIPON, FOUNTAINS AND DURHAM. 
15th century work above the roof, but the lower part of 
the other two towers is Early English. In 1200 all the 
towers were surmounted by dwarf spires. 
The great piers of the nave and choir are fine specimens 
of Norman incised work, each opposite pair being decorated 
spirally and otherwise in similar designs. Other objects of 
archeological interest are the sanctuary knocker on the 
north door, and some beautiful old ironwork in the bands 
of the south door leading to the cloisters. 
It is a matter of regret to note how this cathedral has 
suffered under the hands of would-be ‘‘restorers” and 
‘‘improvers.” For what reason a former Dean and Chapter 
were allowed to pull down wholesale, features of beautiful 
work that can never be replaced, is an enigma requiring 
solution: but it is a certainty that the edifice has suffered 
more by so-called restoration since 1796 than by natural 
decay. The restoration of the east end by Wyatt is 
severely criticised by all authorities, and the removal of 
four inches of stone from the exterior of the walls is a bar- 
barism hardly to be tolerated, resulting, as it has, in the 
demolition of the architectural characteristics of the windows, 
mouldings and recesses. It was a good thing that at 
last public interest was aroused, and steps taken to put an 
end to these vandalisms. In the future it is probable that 
a proper restoration of vanished buildings may be put in 
hand, and that, in any case, a rumoured destruction of the 
Galilee may not come to pass. 
SSS 
