The vaulting-shafts run upward between each bay in groups of three. The abacus from which the groining-ribs apparently spring, is partly a continuation of the stringcourse at the base of the clerestory, and is gracefully trefoiled.
The whole work on the north side of the nave is bolder and more effective than that on the _south_. We have no record of the construction of this side, but from its strong Perpendicular character it can hardly be earlier than 1360. The clustered pier-shafts have much smaller capitals of leafage than those opposite, and the leafage does not pass round continuously. The design of the triforium resembles that on the north side; but at the junction of the two smaller arches is a bracket, once no doubt the support of a figure which rose against the tympanum of the larger arch. All traces of these figures, however, had disappeared, and they have been replaced by modern sculpture, executed by BOULTON, under the direction of the architect. Small ancient figures remain at the sides and intersections of the larger arches.
The clerestory is formed by three triangular-headed arches, of which the centre arch, much higher and wider than the other two, follows nearly the lines of the groining rib. The window at the back of the passage is filled with tracery of Decorated character. The triangular form, which is by no means usual, is that which prevails in the north transept of Hereford, (see the Handbook for that Cathedral,) built at the end of the thirteenth century for the reception of the shrine of St. Thomas Cantilupe.
The groined vaulting of the nave--the work of Bishop Wakefield in 1377--has ridge and intermediate ribs, with bosses of foliage at the intersections. The nave, which was covered with whitewash by the “restorers” of the last century, has been thoroughly cleaned; and the rich foliage of its capitals is now properly displayed. The present flooring of the nave was laid down in 1748.
On the north side of the nave, in the fourth bay from the east, is the high tomb, with effigies, of SIR JOHN BEAUCHAMP, of Holt, in Worcestershire, (died 1388,) and his wife. The effigies, which are in alabaster, have been terribly defaced. The knight’s armour is a good example. The lady’s head rests on a swan with expanded wings--the crest of the Beauchamps. The panels of the tomb itself are filled with shields of arms. Immediately opposite, on the south side of the nave, is the tomb, with effigies, of ROBERT WILDE (died 1608) and his wife. His body rests in this cathedral, but his immortal part--