It is not singular in the principle of
its design, but it is unique in its proportions, in which the exact mean
seems to be attained between the poverty and monotony of a waggon-
headed ceiling and the ungraceful effect of a mere groined roof with a
depressed roof or large span--to which may be added, that with a
richness of effect scarcely, if at all, inferior to fan tracery, it is free from
those abrupt junctions of the lines and other defects of drawing
inevitable when the length and breadth of the compartments of fan
vaulting differ very much, of which King's College Chapel exhibits some
notable instances."
Supported by these exquisite ribs and groins, the ceiling is decorated
with heraldic insignia, displaying the arms of Edward the Confessor,
Edward the Third, Edward the Black Prince, Henry the Sixth, Edward
the Fourth, Henry the Seventh, and Henry the Eighth; with the arms of
England and France quartered, the holy cross, the shield or cross of
Saint George, the rose, portcullis, lion rampant, unicorn, fleur-de-lis,
dragon, and prince's feathers, together with the arms of a multitude of
noble families. In the nave are emblazoned the arms of Henry the
Eighth, and of several knights-companions, among which are those of
Charles the Fifth, Francis the First, and Ferdinand, Infant of Spain.
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