A Guide to Peterborough Cathedral: Comprising a brief history of the monastery from its foundation to the present time, with a descriptive account of its architectural peculiarities and recent improvements; compiled from the works of Gunton, Britton, and original & authentic documentsPhillips, George S. (George Searle)
History
A Guide to Peterborough Cathedral: Comprising a brief history of the monastery from its foundation to the present time, with a descriptive account of its architectural peculiarities and recent improvements; compiled from the works of Gunton, Britton, and original & authentic documents
Phillips, George S. (George Searle)
Peterborough Cathedral -- Guidebooks; Peterborough Cathedral -- History
Mr. Davys is of opinion that, "though we read of no further additions
being made to the church between the time of Godfrey, (1299), and that
of abbot Ashton, much took place in this interval. Almost all the
windows of the church must have been transformed from their original
character into their present shapes, and those which escaped this
mutilation, as in the transepts and clerestory, were filled with their
present unsuitable tracery, about the conclusion of the fourteenth
century.
"The porch, or chapel, now used as the Chapter Library, standing within
the central arch of the West Front, was probably built soon after this
time. The reason why it was erected will be evident to any one who will
examine the front carefully; for it will be seen that the clustered
column, between the northern and middle arch, leans out to a very great
extent, and were it not for the support it receives from this chapel,
very serious consequences must ensue. The whole front also leans to the
westward, though not so much so as this column. This inclination is
evidently of very early date, and probably took place shortly after the
completion of the front. This chapel was therefore added as a support
to the front; its insertion is, nevertheless, much to be regretted, as
it materially diminishes the beauty of the finest part of the
Cathedral.
"Many alterations, and additions, seems to have taken place in this
abbey, during the time when the decorated style was prevalent in
England; and consequently between the time when the Infirmary Church
was built, and the last-mentioned structure was erected, at the west
end of the church. Of these may be mentioned, the two elegant spires on
the north and south towers of the West Front, and the great south-west
tower of the church, which has since been materially diminished in
height. The present Chapter School, which was originally the chancel of
Thomas a Becket's Chapel, was also built at this period; its nave was
taken down in the time of Abbot Genge, who presided here between the
years 1396 and 1408, and the materials were given to the inhabitants of
Peterborough to re-build their parish church with, in a more convenient
situation. The eastern and western arches of the lantern must also have
been altered into their present shape about this time, and the first
story of a tower, which, if it had been completed, would have been one
of the finest in England, built upon them: this is now remaining, and
forms all the pretence that this Cathedral can show to a central
tower."
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