By Harold Brakspear, F.S.A. 475 



this stage, Above the triforium is a plain splayed string-course, 

 over which internally all sign of the Norman work ceases, though 

 up above the present vaulting the Norman roof shafts continue to 

 the top of the walls in the three eastern bays. 



Externally the original clearstory wall remains in the first three 

 bays from the crossing (fig. 17). The bays were separated from 

 each other by narrow pilasters having columns in the angles, and 

 each contained a large round-headed window. The jambs and 

 arches of the windows have been removed by later work, but on 

 the wall face surrounding them are round plaques 19 J in. in 

 diameter, four up each jamb aud seven round the arch (fig, 3). 

 This feature is without parallel in this country, though the plaques 

 themselves are precisely similar to some in the spandrils of the 

 west doorway of Kenilworth Church. The plaques surrounding 

 Urban's arch at Llandaff are somewhat similar but smaller, and 

 '■do not follow down the jambs. 



The aisle bays internally are separated by a group of three 

 columns, with cushion capitals, to take the cross and diagonal 

 ribs of the vault, which still remains complete. The former is a 

 pointed arch of one order unmoulded, and the latter are semi- 

 circular and moulded to the same section as one of the innermost 

 members of the main arcade. There is a wall arcade of three 

 round arches with a bead worked on the angle in each bay, 

 having detached columns with cushion capitals and moulded 

 bases, and resting on a stone seat. Over these is a string course 

 having zig-zags worked on the face and chamfer alternately. 

 Above this are the aisle windows, semicircular, with deep splays 

 and small columns to the internal angles. 



Externally the bays are divided by pilasters witli shafted angles 

 finished at the top with beasts' heads swallowing the shaft, and at 

 the bottom with moulded bases. The aisle windows are semicircular, 

 with chamfered labels, and have small columns in the jambs with 

 capitals and bases as on the inside. Under the windows is an 

 arcade of interlacing arches resting on short moulded columns with 

 scalloped capitals and finished by a double chamfered plinth. 



On the north side, where was the cloister, the aisle windows are 



VOL, XXXVIII. — NO. CXXI. . 2 I 



