older part. There are rows of lancets in the belfry stage, and the four
corner pinnacles are very similar to the large pinnacles that are placed
between the gables of the front, but all the lancets are pointed, and
there are little gables above each. This tower was once surmounted by a
wooden spire. When this was erected does not seem to be known. It was
not of particularly graceful design, judging from views of the cathedral
taken when it was standing. It was removed in the early part of the last
century (see page 25).

[Illustration: The West Front, restored according to Gunton, 1780.]

Passing round to the north side of the cathedral we are at once struck
with the beauty of the termination of the western transept. The arcading
on the north side of the tower of the front is identical with that on
the west side; but to the east there is only arcading in the three upper
stages. Mr. Paley's remarks upon the great windows of the western
transept may be quoted. He says[24] they "deserve particular
examination, not only because they are very early and fine specimens
of cusped and traceried windows--indeed, among the best in the
kingdom--but for a remarkable peculiarity in the jambs; whereof one side
is Norman, with the square capitals to the jamb-shafts both within and
without, and the other Early English, as are the arch-mouldings and
hoods round the whole arches, which were probably semicircular at first,
for at present the point cuts through a stringcourse inside. The frames
of the entire windows are later work, having no attachment or bonding to
the jambs, as is clearly manifested to the eye." These windows rise as
high as the top of those of the triforium. Above is a round-headed
window with a slightly smaller arch on each side, with cushion capitals.
The gable itself is designedly made to resemble one of the gables of the
west front. It is surmounted by a cross, and bordered by the wavy