(5) The North Arcade

On the north side are two elegant-pointed arches dating from the early 14th century, in the Decorated style. These are unusual because they have no capitals; the arches appear to flow directly into the pillars.

In medieval times, the nave was an open space with no seating. Those who were weak or infirm sat against the cold walls, giving rise to the phrase “the weakest go to the wall.” Above, the clerestory windows consist of quatrefoils set within circles. Before the restorations of the 1850s, these were not visible from outside due to a continuous roof.