"The said church is divided into three parts: the sanctum sanctorum
being one of them, is separated by a large skreene in the figure of a
beautiful gate in which is carved two large pillars and three large
statues: on the one side is Paul with his sword; on the other Barnabas
with his book; and over these, Peter with his keys; they are all set
above with winged cherubims, and beneath supported by lions.
"This screen, which was erected by the pious munificence of Lady Dudley,
about ten years previous, was demolished by the Puritans in 1644. We
find a party in the parish in 1640, exhibiting articles to Parliament
against the rector, Dr. Heywood. It was stated that, in the parish
church were set up crucifixes, and divers images of saints, and likewise
organs with other confused musicke, hindering devotion." The screen
given by Lady Dudley was also decreed as superstitious, and in 1644 is
the following memorandum respecting it: "Also, we, the auditors of this
account, doe find that the accomptant, Edward Gerrard, was commanded, by
ordinance of Parliament, to take down the screene in the chancell, it
being found superstitious, which was accordingly done, and it sold for
fortye shillings;
"Also, out of the receipt for church goods, were paid the bricklayer for
mending the walls on both sides the chancel, where the screen
stood."—From Parton's History of St. Giles-in-the-Fields.
It is remarkable what a similarity of feeling against screens is to be
found among Puritans and Paganisers.
[18] Till very recently there were distinct traces of the side altars
under this screen, but they have been removed, and modern tracery put in
their place.
[19] _Diadem_, the old English word for Nimbus.