Manor and Ancient Barony of Castle Combe. 



157 



for such works in parishes of which he was the patron. It opens 

 internally towards the nave by a very lofty arch, exibiting a stone- 

 vaulted roof of handsome carved fan-tracery. The body of the 

 Church was in such a precarious state a few years back as to neces- 

 sitate its rebuilding in 1851. This was, however, done (chiefly at 

 the expense of Mr. Poulett Scrope) in such a manner as to preserve 

 the chief features of the old building, the design and details of which 

 were exceedingly good, while considerable decoration has been added 

 in the walls, roof, pavement, open sittings, and stained-glass win- 

 dows. The result is a very satisfactory example of Church resto- 

 ration. The Chancel east window, a portion of probably the very 



earliest church built upon 

 the spot, has been pre- 

 served with care. It was 

 found blocked up and en- 

 tirely concealed by masonry 

 on the inside, a vestry having 

 been built against it in 

 the fifteenth century on the 

 outside. It consists of a 

 deeply recessed pointed arch, 

 |— pierced with four narrow 

 lancet-lights, with a quatre- 

 foil opening above them, 

 and belongs evidently to a 

 period previous to the use of 

 tracery, probably the twelfth 

 century. It is believed to 

 be almost of unique design, 

 since the lancet-lights of that age are usually grouped in twos, 

 threes, fives, or sevens, and no other example of four lights 

 is known to the writer. The effect, however, of this arrange- 

 ment is so good that it appears strange it should not have 

 been 'oftener employed. The arch which separates the nave 

 from the chancel is richly carved, containing three figures on 

 each side, in canopied niches. This likewise is a well-preserved 



EAST WINDOW OF CHURCH. 



