The effigy placed in this recess has generally been assigned to Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford, _temp._ Edward III. He was not however interred in this cathedral; and although the effigy is certainly of that date, it probably represents some less distinguished member of that great family. The features, uninjured, are fine. The chain-mail, the fringed poleyns at the knees, the surcoat, and all the details, should be noticed. The dog at the feet turns upward, licking his paw.
The monument, with effigy, in the most eastern bay on this side, is that of JOANNA DE BOHUN, Countess of Hereford, (called Joanna de Kilpeck, from her castle there,) (died 1327). It has been painted in accordance with the remains of colour on its several portions; but with very indifferent success. The effigy is a good example of costume. Male and female heads project at the angles of the canopy; and the border of the slab on which the effigy rests has small human heads and roses with their leaves, alternately. The will of the Countess bequeaths a considerable estate to the cathedral.
XIX. In the central bay on the south side is the _Audley Chapel or Chantry_, [Plate IX.,] constructed by Bishop EDMUND AUDLEY, (1492-1502,) before his translation to Salisbury in the latter year. The chantry here was no doubt intended for the place of his own interment; but during his episcopate at Salisbury (1502-1524) he built a second chantry in the choir of that cathedral, (see Handbook for SALISBURY,) within which he was buried.
The Audley Chapel at Hereford is of two stages, access to the upper being afforded by a circular staircase at the south-west angle. The lower story is separated
[Illustration: THE SCREEN OF BISHOP AUDLEY’S CHANTRY.
from the Lady-chapel by a lofty stone screen with pierced panels. Figures of saints and of religious persons are represented on this screen, which has been restored and painted. The iron-work on the door opening to the staircase is excellent as an example, and should be noticed. The lock bears the Bishop’s initials.
The chapel is five-sided, and is lighted by two windows. There is a third window, opening through the screen into the Lady-chapel. The vaulted ceiling shews the remains of rich colour; and at the east end, over the place of the altar, are traces of a large painting with trees and figures. The upper story has five windows, in which are some good remains of the original glass. On the central boss of the groining is the Virgin, crowned, and surrounded by an aureole of rays. The arms of the Deanery, (Azure, five bends or,) and those of Bishop Audley, appear on other parts of the ceiling, with a shield bearing the initials (R. I.) of some unknown person. The top of the screen forms a parapet, dividing this story from the Lady-chapel. There are no traces of an altar here; and the upper story of this chantry probably served--like those of the chantries of Abbots Farley and Hanley at Gloucester, (see that Cathedral,) which are also attached to the Lady-chapel, and are constructed on a similar plan--as an oratory.
