Bells Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Exeter | Page 8

pope was
unsuccessful, and Brantyngham had to make full submission to the
offended primate. Henceforth the archbishop's right of visitation was
not opposed. Had another than Grandisson been bishop in Mepham's
day the dispute would never, probably, have arisen; for the archbishop
was undoubtedly only exercising his rights, such visitations being
according to canon, and of ancient usage.
The next bishop whose episcopate is important is Lacy, who glazed the
nave windows and raised the chapter house. He has, too, an unique
claim on our regard because of his saintly character. As yet no saint had
made the cathedral venerable, and the sentimental affection and profit
which saintly relics were wont to cause was still lacking. It is said that
Iscanus had contrived to get some relics of Becket for his cathedral, but
there was no local saint, and this want Lacy supplied. Yet the days of
his episcopacy were by no means absolutely calm. At the very moment
of his accession he involved himself in a dispute with the city
corporation as to the liberties of his cathedral. Nor was he, though
meek and holy, at all inclined to submit to any infringement of his
prerogatives, even when the transgressor happened to wear a crown.
Indeed, he most successfully protested against the conduct of Henry VI.,
who held a jail delivery in the bishop's hall. Two men were condemned
to death, but the bishop remonstrated so forcibly against this exercise of
temporal authority within the precincts of the sanctuary, that they were
released. As an author Lacy gained a considerable reputation. His
"Liber Pontificalis" is still preserved, his office in honour of Raphael
the Archangel was admired and used in many cathedrals and churches.
When he died miracles were performed at his tomb, and pilgrimages
were constantly made to it by the common people.
[Illustration: THE CHAPTER HOUSE (FROM BRITTON'S 'EXETER',
1826).]
From this time onward the architectural history of the cathedral

becomes less important. Its great periods may thus be summed up,
1107 to 1206 Warelwast and Marshall built the Norman church; 1257
to 1280 Bronscombe and Quivil began the Decorated work; 1292 to
1308 Bytton and Stapledon completed the eastern part; 1327 to 1369
Grandisson and Brantyngham completed the nave, west front, and
cloister. The fifth and last change is the introduction of Perpendicular
work, chiefly noticeable in the chapter house, the west screen, and the
great east window. The day of the great builders was waning fast. The
old faith that inspired them was dwindling, the attraction of national
concerns was too great for local effort. Moreover, the desire to make
intricately beautiful, right enough in itself, had vitiated, as it was bound
to do, the taste of architect and builder. The old Norman cathedrals,
however rugged, were imposing in their stern and simple strength. The
desire for decoration affected various transformations, which at first
left the building more beautiful and not less strong. But gradually the
simplicity and strength disappear altogether. Luckily, as we shall see,
the great church of St. Mary and St. Peter has suffered less than most
buildings that have undergone so many changes. "As it is, the church of
Exeter is a remarkable case of one general design being carried out
through more than a hundred years." The church is Quivil's design, and
the variations, though important, do not seriously detract from it.
The events of the next five hundred years belong more to the history of
the see, and even of England, than to the church. In the election of
George Neville (1458) we notice the immense value put on noble birth.
Only one other reason can be alleged as weighing with those
responsible for the choice. And this reason is so ridiculous as to be
almost incredible. None the less it had, doubtless, a good deal to do
with Neville's election to the bishopric. He was not only a brother to the
great Earl of Warwick, but he early showed his intention of keeping up
the almost kingly traditions of his family. Here is an account of the
festivities that took place at Oxford after he had performed "his
exercises in the nave of St. Mary's Church, as the custom now is, and
before was, for nobleman's sons." "Such entertainment was given for
two days space that the memory of man being not now able to produce,
I have thought it worth my pains to remember. On the first day
therefore were 600 messes of meat, and on the second 300 for the

entertainment only of scholars and certain of the Proceeders, relations
and acquaintances." A later Oxford historian asserts that Neville was
elected chancellor the very next year "by an appreciative university!" It
is not at all unlikely, therefore, that this display of hospitality had
something to do with his