141. LAVATORIUM HIGH WINDOW I

Where the lavatorium abuts the North cloister, there are four small high windows facing South above the lavatorium. This view shows how the windows are placed, with this window depicting Jesus healing the cripple.   PLAN

142. LAVATORIUM HIGH WINDOW II

The central scenes in these windows show Jesus washing the disciples’ feet by Lavers and Westlake, 1896; Moses in the bullrushes by Lavers & Westlake, 1896; and the Baptism of The Ethiopian Eunuch by Lavers & Westlake, 1896.

143. WINDOW AT END OF WEST CLOISTER

Before we leave the cloisters, there are two more windows to consider. The first is at the end of the West cloister. At top is the Risen Christ being serenaded by various angels and musicians. Below it the Virgin Mary holding the Boy Jesus at centre, with St Agnes on one side and St Dorothy on the other. There are two 4th century saints with this name: this is very likely Dorothea of Caesarea.

144. WINDOW AT SOUTHWEST CLOISTER CORNER

The windows of the Western walk of the cloisters all have clear glass, with the exception of the window in the Southwest corner. It illustrates the story Jesus told about him being the Good Shepherd (The Good Shepherd by Hardman, 1898).

145. CHAPTER HOUSE

Access to the chapter house is from the East cloister. The chapter house was the building in which the Domesday Book was compiled. The lower centre lights of the East window represent William the Conqueror directing the compilation of the Book. The East window is the magnificent South African War Memorial window. Underneath the window are a series of tablets on which the names of the deceased are recorded.

146. CHAPTER HOUSE EAST WINDOW

The main lights of this window are in groups of three, described as follows. • Left: Discipline. Top: Michael, Joseph, the Centurion; Bottom: Moses, King Alfred, Gideon. • Centre: Counsel in things Sacred/Secular. Top: King Osric with SS Peter, Paul; William the Conqueror. • Right: Valour. Top: SS Alban, George, Edmund; Bottom: SS Louis, David and Richard the Lionheart. There is a row of shields at the base of the window.

147. ENTRY TO TRIBUNE GALLERY

We leave the chapter house, and return through the nave to the North transept. There is a doorway in the Northwest corner which we noticed before. The doorway leads to an ascending flight of stairs, and the sign says ‘Tribune Gallery this way’.

148. HIGH WINDOW VIEWS

The stairs lead to the triforium level where there is a walkway just below the North window of the transept, and around the East side. From beneath the North window we have a view right across the Cathedral to the window of the South transept. Then, turning the corner we look straight across to the much nearer West window of the North transept which we examined earlier.

149. LOOKING DOWN

I find the Tribune Gallery quite fascinating. I have always looked yearningly at the many high cathedral walkways which are shut off from the public, but this one is open to all! From here we can look down on the nave aisle and the organ.

150. SEEN FROM ABOVE

There is a great view down over the chancel too, where we can appreciate the tile patterns, as well as noticing the positions of the cathedra, pulpit, ‘wicked pulpit’ and the effigy on the far side.

151. GALLERY EXHIBITS

The Tribune Gallery extends with some width alongside the chancel on the North side. As well as the fascinating views, there are also several exhibits – here of the stone masons’ craft.

152. GREAT EAST WINDOW

From the Gallery there are also close up views of the Great East window. Two views have been placed together here. From our present position on the North side, we can see the half window at right.

153. HIGH ALTAR!

Our final view from the North side is of the high altar. There is now a curious tunnel which allows us access to the South side: it appears to follow round behind the East window. It is called the Whispering Gallery, and carries a quiet whisper from one end to the other.

154. SAXON CHRISTUS

Half way round the Whispering Galley is a small chapel, known as Saxon Christus, looking out across the Lady Chapel. The altar and cross look very old, and there is a carving of a human figure which was found in the Bishop’s Garden 150 years ago. This figure is of Jesus, and is thought to be a thousand years old.

155. GALLERY SIDE CHAPEL

Continuing our journey, as we emerge from the tunnel, we come to a smaller side gallery on the South side. There is a small chapel to our left, with an altar, cross and candles.   

156. SOUTHERN GALLERY

The gallery on this side is smaller with several posters and a couple of small displays. Looking Eastwards, we can see the exit from the tunnel which we have just been through, next to the small chapel. Of course there are still great views looking Northwards across the chancel.

157. LAST GALLERY VIEWS

We complete our tour with views of the high Northern chancel windows (represented by the window at left), and coming round to the South transept window which we can now see in some detail. So down to the floor of the South transept.