[Illustration: THE WESTERN END OF THE NAVE.]
At the western end of the North Aisle of the Nave is a spacious Chapel, used every day for the celebration of the Holy Communion at eight o'clock in the morning, for a short service at mid-day (at 1.15), and for an evening service at eight o'clock. The oak panelling is that originally introduced by Sir Christopher Wren; the mosaic at the west end commemorates Archdeacon Hale, who died in 1870; the large window on the north is a memorial to Dean Mansel, Dean of the Cathedral from 1868 to 1871; the beautiful mosaic in the eastern apse is a more recent addition.
The Chapel was at first called the Morning Prayer Chapel, and was opened for use on February 1st, 1699, though the Cathedral itself was still far from completion. Here, for many years, Morning Prayers were said at an early hour: in 1699, at 6 o'clock in summer, and 7 o'clock in winter; at the present time prayers are said at 8 o'clock in the Crypt Chapel.
Has almost become a place of pilgrimage. His heroic character, his tragic end, have deeply touched the hearts of his countrymen, and, indeed, of countless strangers also. The Tomb is a finely conceived work of Sir Edgar Boehm.
On the left is the Wellington Monument; on the right are seen the colours of the 57th and 77th Regiments borne by them in the Crimea.
[Illustration: THE TOMB OF GENERAL GORDON.]
Is thus described by the Rev. Lewis Gilbertson in his _Authorized Guide to S. Paul's Cathedral_: "This is the most important work of Alfred Stevens; by far the finest monument in S. Paul's, and by many considered to be the best work of its kind done in England in the last three hundred years. It was originally designed to fill the eastern arch of the Nave on the north side, and was intended to be surmounted by an equestrian statue of the Duke; but the horse was vetoed, and the monument erected in the old Consistory Court. It has now been removed to the middle arch on the north side of the Nave, where possibly it may eventually be finished according to the artist's design. The bronze groups at the base of the pediment are especially fine. The subjects are: Virtue keeping Vice beneath its feet, and Truth pulling out the tongue of Falsehood."
