70 PArKU8, ETC. 



positive proof. We cau catch but a glimpse, however, of its 

 beautiesj and with that must endeavour to be content. As 

 we have alreadj seen, it was commenced as early as, if not 

 previous to, the year 1277, and was still unfinished in 

 1337. It will thiis be apparent to the architectural reader 

 that the edlfice Avas erected in the best and purest age of con- 

 structive art. The "Early English" was passing into the 

 "Decurated" at the beginning of the interval, and hefore 

 its close the latter style had arrived at its fall exuberance of 

 beauty. Of the other peculiarides of the structure, although 

 we may be sure that it harmonised in its perfection with 

 the charming scene which lay around it, we are unhappily 

 possessed of no meraorial. The only guess that we can 

 make with any degree of probability, is that it had an 

 Ornament to which the builders both of the Early English 

 and Decorated periods were greatly indebted for the mar- 

 vellous effect of the exteriors of their edifices — a lofty spire 

 at the junction of the transept with the nave and choir. 

 Thus much the Common Seal of the Priory would suggest, 

 in which one of the two Apostles to whom the House was 

 dedicated is represented holding such a church in his right 

 hand. The domestic portion of the Priory, too, was 

 certaln to be a collection of goodly edifices. Mention has 

 already been made of the Chapter House; but of quiet 

 cloister and lordly refectory, scriptorium, guest -house, 

 infii'mary, and dormitory, the record is gone, we fear, for 

 ever. And yet all were assuredly splendid of their kind, 

 as the home of a Community wealthy and powerfui, and 

 the frequent resort of the noble and renowned. The Lord 

 Prior and his Canons often found themselves surrounded 

 by personages of public importance in Church and State ; 

 and their lodging and cheer were doubtless agreeable to 

 their condition, and indicative of that spirit of liberal 



