transom, which, like some at York, has a gallery in the interior of the building.

The Percy chapel, on the north side of the easternmost bay of the church, erected over the tomb of Henry, fourth earl of Northumberland, (who was slain near Thirsk in 1489,) has on the north side a four-centred window, corresponding in character to the alleged date: but on the east side a window apparently of an earlier character, and similar to those in the lower part of the towers; which, if they do not belong to the earliest Perpendicular, are evidently of a period considerably antecedent to that of the Tudor style.

The font seems to be older than any part of the building. A sketch of it will be the best description I can offer.

The shrine of the well-known Percy monument (the effigy of which has disappeared) stands under the north arch of the eastern intersection. It is of the most beautiful composition, and the richest perhaps in ornament of any belonging to the period. Poulson seems inclined to assign it to Idonea, wife of Henry, second Lord Percy, who died in 1365.

Another beautiful monument stands between two of the piers on the south side of the nave, and an altar-tomb with an effigy, also belonging to the Percy family, in the east aisle of the great north transept.

The front of the altar-screen has been well restored; at its back is a fine Decorated composition of three arches on shafts, with a vaulted roof, the bays being panelled with flowing tracery, much of which is cut away for monuments.

In the north aisle of the choir, near the supposed fridstool, is an Early English staircase, which probably communicated with a chapter-house, or some external building.

The tabernacle-work of the stalls is very rich, and belongs to the early part of the sixteenth century. The sedilia are of wood, and may be somewhat earlier. All the painted glass of various dates, from the Early English to the Perpendicular, is collected in the east window.

My space will not allow me, even if I were able, to give a more minute account of this noble edifice. This, together with the necessary researches into its history, is the office of the local antiquary, rather than the casual visitor. Each however will strengthen and assist the other; the one, by his collection of facts and careful examination of particular details,

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the other, by bringing to bear upon the subject the results of a more widely extended, though perhaps more superficial observation. Both, I trust, will ever unite their efforts in the development of truth, and contribute to the establishment of sound principles of investigation, and a right standard of criticism.

J. L. PETIT.