at the same time. The two side doorways are exceedingly good, and should
be carefully examined. The central doorway must have been of still
greater beauty; but the whole of the upper part of it is hidden by the
porch and parvise inserted beneath the central arch. This doorway is
divided by a fine pillar rising from a well-carved base, with a very
curious scene depicted on it. "It represents," writes Canon Davys,[22]
"a Benedictine tortured by demons, and was doubtless intended as a
significant hint to the monks that a sacred calling demands a consistent
life." The portico retains its original Early English vaulting.

[Illustration: West Porch and Parvise.]

The =Porch= and =Parvise= beneath the middle arch was inserted, as has
been previously stated, as a support to the two great piers. It is
vaulted in two bays, the first being of the same dimensions as the inner
width of the portico; the western bay (of the same size) thus reaches
beyond the two great piers, and the corner turrets and buttresses in all
project about seven feet. This gives a very substantial support to the
piers. The whole composition is very fine, and quite worthy of the great
portico to which it is an adjunct. It must be left to each spectator to
decide for himself if it improves or diminishes the effect of the
whole. It is of late Decorated date, highly enriched with profuse
carving. The staircase turrets, as well as the great window are
embattled. Possibly there may have been pinnacles now lost. The spaces
north and south, and within the portico, have tracery on the walls
similar to the window. The groining is very fine. One of the central
bosses has a representation of the Trinity. The Father is represented as
the Ancient of Days, with a Dove for the Holy Spirit above the shoulder,
and the figure of the Saviour on the Cross in front. Freemasons are
recommended to look for a special symbol which they alone can understand