Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Carlisle

EXTE

s apparent that more than one plan has been follow

easternmost bay (the retro-choir) Late Decorated; while the tower is Perpendicular. In the north window of the north transept we have a spec

treatment of its details, are quite characteristic

e projecting nearly one foot beyond the wall, and the parapet wall in which they term

re is in each bay a window with a circular head, flanked by single columns. A r

restorations. The doorway itself, which leads into

indows in having the billet as decoration of its outer moulding. The string-co

bove the windows, of very expressive, li

DRAL FROM

ery of the previous window having been similar to that of th

DOOR O

dral towers are apt to be good, and really make their mark" (Pater). In fact, it does not at all give the impression of being part of such an important building as a cathedral. This is caused by its having been rebuilt on the scale of the Norman nave, and not

e with a canopy, is the figure of an angel holding a drawn sword. On his head is fixed a tablet to support another figure. There is only one window in the fourth storey, which gives light to the belfry

hrown out of centre by the

ifteen feet in height, but this was removed at the end of

ey. In place of a second window there is an opening into the roof of the

size of the tower by the addition of two

nglish, except the easternmost one (the retro-choir), which is L

endicular window inserted in order to admit more light to the sanctuary. During the restoration of the cat

alent in height to the internal wall arcade. Over this, a string-c

DOOR. (S

er, banded, shafts are detached, which is rather unusual, and have moulded bases and capitals. The bands divide the shafts into unequal lengths, the lower portion being the short

ment the junction of these mouldings. Above these the cornice

ON OF E

ded into three equal spaces, with a

sses gives relief to the exter

flowing tracery. Each bay has an arch with three divisions, the central one higher and

ball-flower ornament which is characteristic of fourteenth-century work. It is broken here and there by gargoyles proje

absence gives the clerestory a very monotonous flat effect. This is further intensified by the

ere skilfully refaced, and consequently th

t whose parapet is enriched with a running trefoil ornament resembling that on the base of the clerestory windows. The north-eastern and the small east buttresses term

make the pediment appear irregular, and the cross at the apex seems, consequently, not to be in the centre of

ed. Each buttress contains two niches with beautifully carved canopies: the base of the lower ones being a trifle hi

ndow enclosing three trefoils which appears in the gable. Immediately beneath this Trinity window-as it is c

hly-floriated cross; and on each side are four sm

EAST

ly rebuilt, it is a remarkably good example of Late Decorated

e between the staircases. The buttresses do not rise above the parapet, and are

ed with corbels and parapet, like the

three bays from the east end are practi

English, but of later date and not so pleasing as the others. Instead of two lights they are furnished with

ilt) shows traces of a door, and over that a passage, probabl

hese images of beasts and men carved upon spo

estory are without the trefoil which orna

wanting; in other respects the clerestory

stairs into the transept. Billings says: "The modern casing at the base of the end of the transept (about 12 ft. high) shews the height of the Cloisters: and the doorw

nd a very richly sculptured doorway inserted between them (1856). It was designed by Mr. Christian and is the principal entrance to the Cathedr

the entrance is

s lighted by two plain round-he

of heads and mouldings which interferes with the upper window mouldings. The transept compartments differ from those of

ual buildings it was of plainer character than the

exactly the same

ll are behind one of the prebendar

nds at present, was res

Norman portion, and red in the other parts. This red sandstone is not so good for exte

E, SOUT

bl

nt