[Illustration:  DECORATION FORMERLY ON THE CHOIR VAULT. From an engraving by T. King, 1814, lent by the Rev. Prebendary Bennett.  (Scale 7 feet 10-1/2 in. to 1 in.) (See pp. 42-3.)]

The next work of importance was begun by Sherburne.  He invited Lambert Bernardi and his sons to decorate the whole of the vaulting of the cathedral.  This they did by covering it with beautifully painted designs.  But unfortunately, excepting the small remnant now on the vault in the lady-chapel (see page 92), their work was entirely destroyed early in the nineteenth century.  Some idea of its original beauty may be formed by an examination of similar work by other hands that may yet be seen in S. Anastasia at Verona, in two churches at Liege, and at S. Albans Abbey.  An engraving by T. King, of about 1814, shows some details of the design that was painted on the vault of the choir in the bay next but one to the central tower.  The cathedral was at this time an open book, with its walls covered with painted stories.  The reredos, the stalls of the canons, as well as the walls, were rich with colour.  Now all has gone except a meagre, faded scrap under the arch from the present library into the transept, and one or two other slight remnants.  Sherburne also had some large pictures painted by the Bernardis.  They represented the kings of England and the bishops of Chichester, and used to hang upon the west and east walls of the south transept.

From Sherburne’s death until the seventeenth century little but a tale of destruction is to be recorded; for this period witnessed the dissolution of the monasteries, the beginning of a wholesale system of spoliation urged by self-interest and hypocrisy, and the establishment of “Reformation” methods of procedure in Church and State.  By each of these both the fabric and the diocese suffered, even though by some they gained.  But especially did vandalism help to destroy, unnecessarily, many things which, legitimately used, might still have been allowed to remain as evidences of the artistic influence of the Church in England.  For though some of them were dedicated to uses which the reformation necessarily condemned the wholesale destruction of much beautiful workmanship must be regretted by any who are interested in such treasures.  In 1538 it was ordered that all shrines should be abolished.  This seriously affected Chichester, as the fate of the feretory of S. Richard was involved by the mandate.  Two commissioners were named, whose duty was to see that his shrine was removed.  The instructions issued served a double purpose, since in this case, as in others, “reformation” helped to satisfy the claims of avarice.  Henry told the commissioners that