[Illustration: Window in vestibule of Lady-chapel.]
XVII. The walls of this central apse are retained in the _vestibule_ to the Lady-chapel. They are pierced north and south with transitional Norman window openings; pointed arches, with massive mouldings, one of which, an enriched diamond, runs round the soffete, and is carried on the capitals of triple side shafts. The foliage of the capitals is of completely Early English character. These windows (the glass in which, as is indicated by their rebated jambs, was fixed in wooden
[Illustration: EASTERN BAY OF LADY-CHAPEL.
frames) were built up in the wall, until the restoration of this part of the cathedral by Mr. Cottingham.
In the south wall of the vestibule is the very interesting monument, with effigy, of Dean BEREW, or BEAURIEÚ, (died 1462). The head of the effigy, delicately featured and full of expression, and the arrangement of the robe, especially at the feet, are very striking, and should be noticed. The feet rest on a boar; and in the hollow of the arch-moulding are boars and rue leaves, forming a “rebus” of the Dean’s name. Over the whole monument there are traces of painting, and at the back of the recess the kneeling figure of an ecclesiastic is distinguishable; possibly that of Dean Berew himself.
On the floor is the very fine _brass_ of Richard Delamare (1435) and his wife Isabella. There is also here the _brass_ of a priest in cope, _circa_ 1450.
XVIII. An ascent of five steps (rendered necessary by the height of the crypt below; see § XXVI.) leads to the _Lady-chapel_, [Plate VIII.]; very rich Early English, and dating from the first half of the thirteenth century, (_circ._ 1220). It is 45 ft. by 24, and consists of three bays, in each of which, on either side, (except where the bay on the south side is filled by the Audley Chantry,) are two large windows. When Professor Willis made his report in 1841, the eastern gable of this chapel (then used as the Chapter Library) was in a state of “ruinous disintegration;” and one of the first works entrusted to Mr. Cottingham was the rebuilding of this eastern end. The pavement of the Lady-chapel, and other restorations, have happily been completed under the direction of Mr. G. G. Scott.