X. Before 1841, the east end of the choir was covered with an oaken screen, erected by Bishop Bisse in 1717; and above it was a Decorated window filled with a copy in stained glass of WEST’S picture of the Last Supper. The removal of the screen disclosed the great Norman arch of five orders, within which the reredos is now placed. Above this arch is a small blind arcade; and instead of the Decorated window,
three lancets have been inserted at the back of the clerestory passage. Of these, the central window has been filled with stained glass by HARDMAN; too minute perhaps in design for the height at which it is placed, but very good. The subjects in this window are the Saviour in Majesty, the Resurrection, the Crucifixion. The subjects in the north and south lancets will comprise the principal events of our Lord’s Passion.
The _reredos_ [Plate II.] below was designed by Mr. Cottingham, jun., as a memorial for JOSEPH BAILEY, Esq., M.P. for the county of Hereford, who died in 1850. It is in oolite (Bath stone) and marble; and although too high for its position, is a fine work. Between the five canopied compartments rise small shafts, supporting angels, who carry the instruments of the Passion. The pierced leafage at the back of the canopies is very beautiful. The subjects in the panels are--the Agony in the Garden, Bearing the Cross, the Crucifixion, with floating angels above the Cross, the Resurrection, and the three Maries at the Sepulchre.
At the back of the reredos rises a pier from which spring two pointed arches, leaving a broad tympanum or spandrel, closing the upper part of the Norman arch. This is a restoration of Mr. Cottingham’s. The pier itself is ancient. The spandrel is covered with modern sculpture, having, above, the Saviour in Majesty, with the Evangelists holding scrolls; and below, a figure of Ethelbert, King of East Anglia, who was murdered by Offa, King of Mercia, and is said to have been interred in the first Saxon church on this spot. (See Pt. II.) Miracles were reported as having occurred at his tomb, and the second church here was dedicated to St. Ethelbert.
The very good brass of Bishop TRILLECK (died 1360) is placed on the chancel floor. The graceful arrangement of the vestments--which do not include the tunic--and the architectural design of the canopy deserve special notice. The greater part of the inscription has been lost[35].