History of Holy Cross
   
The Arcade
 

The Church consists of nave, chancel, and a North aisle with its Chantry chapel. The arcade between nave and aisle is most unusual, and at first sight puzzling. The western-most arch is 13th Century, as is the Western half of the next arch. However the eastern half of this is 15th Century, contemporary with the adjoining pier. The third arch is four-centred, and also dates from the 15th Century, as does the eastern-most arch. (Notice the corbel for a statue on the eastern respond of this arch, and another close by in the Chantry chapel.)
The alterations made to the arcade in the 15th Century were to facilitate the erection at that time of a rood-loft, which extended right across the Church - the arch had to be widened, and the piers heightened to allow room for it.
In the South wall, behind the pulpit, can be seen the doorway and the lower part of the stairway which led to the rood-loft, of which the stone projecting from the wall above formed part.
Some of the 15th Century carved panelling from the rood is incorporated in the choir screen, now located in the Milgate Chantry. The very fine perpendicular archway dividing the nave from the tower should be noted.

   
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