explained when we reflect that the central gable is the honest termination of the nave roof; the two central piers were therefore bound to be built so as to give support to the existing nave roof, and to fit it.  The position of these piers being fixed, the outer ones might be as distant as was desired, for the front must of course extend to the entire length of the western transept.  It has been commonly supposed that the three great arches of the Lincoln front suggested the idea to the Peterborough builders.  If so, they improved upon their model.  The central arch at Lincoln even before the round arch was altered, must have been half as high again as the side arches; and as they all are integral parts of the wall, and therefore not open, they have somewhat the appearance of magnified doorways that have been blocked up.  At Snettisham, in Norfolk, is a western doorway protected by a porch with three open arches; and this has sometimes been mentioned when Peterborough west front is a subject of discussion; not, of course, as a fitting comparison, but as an illustration of the architectural method employed.  At Snettisham, however, the porch is a small erection even for the church to which it gives entrance, and does not nearly extend to the entire width of the building.

[Illustration:  South-West Spire and Bell-Tower.]

The following is the quaint description given in “Magna Britannia,” published 1724:—­“The western Front is very Noble and Majestick of Columel Work, and supported by three such tall Arches, as England can scarcely shew the like, which are adorned with a great Variety of curious Imagery.  The Form of Arches is by the modern Architects called, The Bull’s Eye, not Semicircular.  The whole is one of the noblest pieces of Gothick Building in England.”

=The Bell-tower=, which rises from the western transept, immediately behind the north gable of the front (p. 37), is a little later than the front itself.  It is of good workmanship, and quite in keeping with the older part.  There are rows of lancets in the belfry stage, and the four corner pinnacles are very similar to the large pinnacles that are placed between the gables of the front, but all the lancets are pointed, and there are little gables above each.  This tower was once surmounted by a wooden spire.  When this was erected does not seem to be known.  It was not of particularly graceful design, judging from views of the cathedral taken when it was standing.  It was removed in the early part of the last century (see page 25).

[Illustration:  The West Front, restored according to Gunton, 1780.]