The Lower Ward

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The lower ward is entered from Henry VIII.'s gateway on Castle Hill, and contains St. George's Chapel, begun by Henry III. and completed by Edward III., but restored by Henry VII. and added to by Cardinal Wolsey. This Chapel is one of three typical examples of English Perpendicular Gothic architecture - the other two being Henry VII.'s Chapel, Westminster, and King's College Chapel, Cambridge - and is chiefly remarkable for its beautiful groined fan tracery roof, supported by clustered columns of great lightness and elegance. The ceiling is emblazoned with the armorial bearings of the Knights of the Garter.

Above the altar is a beautifully sculptured alabaster marble reredos, representing the Ascension, Christ appearing to his Disciples, and the Meeting with Mary in the Garden; and above that again is a fine stained glass window, executed by Messrs. Clayton and Bell, after the design of Sir Gilbert Scott.

In the royal vault under the choir Henry VIII., Jane Seymour, and Charles I. are buried, and beneath the gallery, or Queen's closet, on the north of the chapel, for the use of Her Majesty when attending Divine service, is the tomb of Edward IV., marked by a monument in wrought steel, ascribed to Quentin Matsys, the famous artist-blacksmith of Antwerp.

The nave and smaller chapels of St. George's contain many fine and interesting monuments, including that to the Princess Charlotte, by Matthew Wyatt; that to the King of the Belgians, by Miss Durant; and that to the Duchess of Gloucester by Scott.

Next page: Prince Consort's Memorial Chapel