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It is evident that this low-side-window
served some purpose, connected with the service of the Church, which
ceased at the Reformation. But what was the exact use of it is unknown;
and at least twelve theories are advanced in the fourth volume of the Archaeological
Journal. A probable one is that it was used to administer the
sacrament to lepers, and others afflicted with infectious disorders.
REMARKABLE DRAIN IN THE EAST WALL.
The latter theory seems to be confirmed by the position of
a water-drain (also recently discovered), low down in the east wall,
close to the pavement, shewn in a woodcut on the next page. This was
probably the Perfusorium, connected with the ablutions necessary
for the priest, after ministering to leprous or infected persons. A
strong iron hook will be observed fixed in the arch of the vaulted
recess of this water-drain. |
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The PISCINA is cinquefoil-headed. It was
used by the priest for rinsing his hands and the sacred vessels during
mass. The bowl slightly projects; but happily it has escaped the zeal of
the Reformers, who, in too many instances, cut the stone flush with the
wall. There is both a stone and wooden shelf, which served the purpose
of a credence table, to receive certain of the sacred vessels, that were
used during mass, previous to their being required at the altar: such,
for example, as the "ij sylver cruytts" mentioned among the
church goods here in the time of Henry VIII.
There are three sedilia, intended for the priest and
his attendants, the deacon and sub-deacon. The seats are all on the same
level; but the most eastern sedile is cinquefoiled, and rather
higher than the other two, which are trefoil-headed |