On either side of the sanctuary are three arches with colonettes rising into the vaulting that covers the entire space. This is decorated in our Lady’s traditional blue, and the ribs are picked out in gold and red. Each of the three windows of the clerestory on either side of the sanctuary is composed of three lights, and at the end of each of the three arches are carved heads, or ‘corbels’, representing the twelve Apostles. Note also between the arches, filling each of the spaces on either side of the Sanctuary, six fine carved wooden screens, enclosing the most sacred space in the Church. Before leaving this spot, turn round and face the back of the church. Now you can see the full length of the nave and the great west window, the largest single window in the church, which admits the evening light into the nave. On either side of the window are the twin organ galleries, reminding us that music is a vital part of the celebration of the Catholic liturgy, and the organ is its most special instrument.
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