=The Nave=, notwithstanding the years it took to build, the change of architecture that was coming into use as it was being finished, and the alteration in plan that was decided upon towards the end, is a very complete and almost uniform structure.  There are ten bays, all having round arches; in the triforium each large arch has two smaller ones beneath it; and in each bay of the clerestory is one high arch and two smaller ones.  The triforium arches in the two easternmost bays, on both sides, have the hatchet ornamentation in the tympanum; this may either mark the limits of the old Benedictine choir, or may simply suggest earlier work.  Almost the only indication of distinct later work, as we proceed towards the west, is in the different forms of the bases of the piers.  The arcading of the aisles curiously changes towards the west in both aisles, but not at corresponding points; the change consists in the reversing the interlacing of the arches.  The third pillars from the west end on either side are not really, strictly speaking, pillars at all.  They were built as supports to two western towers which it was intended certainly to erect at this point, even if they were not at least in part built.  There are many other little details in the neighbourhood of these piers, all confirming Mr Paley’s discovery with respect to these contemplated towers, one at any rate of which he thinks was actually erected.  The pillars are cylindrical with numerous attached shafts.  In addition to the changed form of the bases, careful observers can detect proofs of later work in the capitals of the shafts in the triforium.  In front of each pier a shaft rises to the roof; and on these the original ceiling rested.  On some of the piers in the south aisle, near the west end, may be seen several very curious masons’ marks.  In the nave is a very massive pulpit given in 1873 by the family of Dr James, for forty years Canon, bearing an inscription to his memory.  It is from the design of Mr Edward Barry, and was meant to be in keeping with the Norman architecture of the nave.  The central shaft is of Devonshire marble, the main body of the pulpit of red Dumfries stone, and some of the smaller pillars are of green Greek marble.  At the angles are four large figures of the Evangelists.  There is a wooden eagle lectern, carved by the late Rev. R.S.  Baker, behind the choir-stalls on the south side.

[Illustration:  The Nave, looking East.]

=The Nave Ceiling= is very curious and remarkable.  If originally flat, and supported on the tall shafts last mentioned, it would be just above the great arch of the central tower before that was altered from the round form.  It is supposed that this was the case; and that when the pointed arch was substituted the central compartment of the ceiling was raised, and the two outer ones made to slope as we see it now.  But if the Norman roof was flat, its outer compartments would manifestly not be broad enough to fill the space