The cathedral, though it has suffered most severely from extensive
alterations in the seventeenth century, has still preserved a most
curious stone rood loft, debased in style, but still carrying out the
principles of the old traditions. It was approached by two flights of
steps, the choir being elevated over a crypt, which gives it a most
imposing appearance. On the top of the first platform is an altar, and
immediately over it a stone pulpit, with a brass lectern, on the left
side, in the form of an eagle, doubtless for the deacon to sing the holy
Gospel to the people. On either side of this are doors, with gates of
open metal-work; above are five arched canopies, which contain
sculptures in alto-relief, representing the sacrifice of Abraham;
bearing the cross; entombment of our Lord; Jonas and the whale; and
under the foot of the rood, in the centre, Moses setting up the brazen
serpent in the wilderness; an appropriate type of the great reality, our
Lord lifted up on the cross, or rood, which is, as usual, sculptured
with the attendant images of St. John and the Blessed Virgin. There are
two Byzantine coronæ for lights still suspended in this church, and many
of the details of the choir, crypt, &c. are exceedingly interesting.