The large north window in the north transept was inserted in 1846 by Butterfield. It is based on one at Sleaford, Lincolnshire, and replaced another of late and inferior design. The west wall of both transepts is of De Leiâ’s time, and the remainder, after the fall of the tower, about 1220. The north transept is dedicated to St. Andrew, and his altar stood in the central eastern arch and the south transept was known as the Chanters’ Chapel, with an altar dedicated to the Holy Innocents and almost certainly one to St. David. This transept had at first but a single chapel (Decorated), with a space between it and the aisle of the choir, but in the sixteenth century these two were joined and the chapel became a vestry. In this century, when the south transept was fitted up as a parish church it formed the eastern aisle. Scott restored the original arrangement.
[Illustration: SCREEN OF BISHOP VAUGHAN’S CHAPEL.]
The transepts show more clearly than any other part of the church the influence of the west of England on Welsh architecture, and it is remarkable that it should have started thus early. The Transitional and even Early English architecture at St. David’s and Llandaff resembles in mouldings that at Slymbridge and in foliage some of the great Gloucestershire churches. It is not surprising that the later splendid Perpendicular and Decorated examples of Somerset and the Bristol district should have made their impress felt in Wales. But this Early English connection certainly seems wonderful.
The chapels at the far east end of the church are extraordinarily extensive and most remarkable for a comparatively small cathedral like St. David’s. This being so it is best to refer to the plan, which will simplify what seems bewildering in mere description. Generally speaking the ground-plan may be considered as an extension of the main body of the church, terminating in a Lady Chapel, with aisles continuing those of the choir for part of the length. But, inasmuch as no part of the cathedral seems to have attracted the attention of the various prelates who were successively benefactors to the church, more than this; and, as the changes were numerous and but little regard appears to have been paid to preceding plans, the inevitable result is a kind of architectural _pot-pourri_. It is, however, a very attractive medley.