190

ST. ADHELM’S CHAPEL.

centres a little above the level of the springing, and, consequentlyapproach, in a slight degree, to the form of the Moorish arch.Had I examined them less carefully, I might have supposed thatthis was owing to a slight failure in the arch ; but it was evidentlythe original design. Two other similar but higher pointed archescrossed each other in each of the squares so formed, extendingfrom the middle pier to the angles of the building; and in eachintersection of these ribs a small cross is cut in the moulding.There are no remains of carved work in the chapel.

The only window is a loop hole, splayed inwards, and finishedwith a semicircular head. This looks to the sea.

It is said that this edifice was anciently a chauntry, wheremasses were performed for the safety of mariners that passed bythe shore, who left some gratuity at the first port they landed at,for the maintenance of the priest; the building not beingendowed.

Its form and situation indeed strongly favour the idea of sucha destination. The square pillar in the centre seems to havebeen originally designed to support some weighty superstructure,of which the cylindrical base on the top, lately discovered, is apart, and might have been a beacon, or some species of light-house.

The window looking to the sea no doubt must have affordedthe view of many a dismal scene ; and excited the fervor of itsreligious inhabitant by the contemplation of the dangers to whichthe passing vessels were exposed.

On the north side, where the door is placed, there has been anenclosure ; as the foundations of a wall are still visible. I have,at your desire, been particular in my description of this very