Chelsea, in the Olden & Present TimesBryan, George
History
Chelsea, in the Olden & Present Times
Bryan, George
Chelsea (London, England) -- History
The eastern window does not fill up the entire wall as we find in all
ancient buildings, but a considerable portion of plain masonry is left
round it. The space below is occupied by a splendid stone altar-screen
of a beautiful antique design. It consists of five upright divisions,
formed by the buttresses, the central being the width of two of the
others; they are covered by ogee arches, with cinque foil sweeps in each,
the centre one having a canopy of the same sort, but more highly enriched
with a greater number of sweeps. From the canopies rises a series of
upright divisions, with trefoil heads; and above is an entablature; the
frieze of foliage in alto relievo; the cornice of various mouldings, and
the whole is fronted by seven demi angels, in ancient costume, crowned;
one hand of each is placed on the breast, the other held up in the
attitude of benediction. The screen is flanked on each side by a
magnificent composition of niche work, ranging above two small doorways
leading to the vestry, the arches of which are obtuse, and the
architraves entirely formed of mouldings. Above the point of the arch of
each door case is an hexagonal canopy, highly enriched, and supporting
the pedestal of a large and similarly formed niche above it, crowned with
a like canopy, which rises above the rest of the screen, and occupies a
portion of the wall on each side of the window. The pierced stonework,
elegant buttresses, and minute pinnacles of this elegant composition,
form an assemblage of architectural ornament which would not disgrace any
age in which the pointed style prevailed; the scale of grandeur in which
they are executed, and the general tastefulness that marks the design,
together with the correct style of the elaborate details, would do honour
to a cathedral.
* * * * *
The centre division of the church is roofed with stone from east to west.
The style of vaulting is, however, full two centuries earlier than the
building: the nave of Westminster Abbey seems to have been the prototype.
That part of the roof immediately above the altar is groined in a
different manner, the surface of the cove being filled with long panels
separated by arched ribs, springing from corbels, and crossing the church
from side to side; the same is repeated above the organ; the corbels are
all sculptured with figures of angels, which at the altar are represented
in the act of prayer, and over the organ appear to be chanting the hymn
of praise; though these portions are well executed, the conceit of
varying the design is too novel to be admired.
From the groined roof depend three elegant brass chandeliers, suspended
on gilt chains.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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