Historical Description of Westminster Abbey, Its Monuments and CuriositiesAnonymous
History
Historical Description of Westminster Abbey, Its Monuments and Curiosities
Anonymous
Westminster Abbey
It may here be observed, and to some will no doubt be interesting, that as
the date of King Sebert is the _earliest_ known respecting the Abbey,
George II. was also the _last_ King buried in Westminster, including in
all thirteen English Sovereigns whose remains repose within these
venerable walls (and fourteen Queens, that is, once reigning sovereigns,
or the consorts of kings) embracing a period of more than twelve hundred
years. The Kings buried in the Abbey--Sebert, Edward the Confessor, Henry
III., Edward I., Edward III., Richard II., Henry V., Edward V., Henry
VII., Edward VI., James I., Charles II., William III., George II., all of
which can of course be ascertained by a careful perusal of this guide
book.
Over the tomb of Sebert, enclosed under glass, is an elaborate work
(measuring about eleven feet in length, and three feet in height), which
appears to have originally formed part of an altar decoration of the
fourteenth century; the ground-work is oak; over the joinings, and on the
surface of some mouldings, strips of parchment were glued. On this
framework, covered with a gesso ground, various ornamental compartments
and architectural enrichments are completed in relief. The work is divided
into two similar portions; in the centre is a figure which appears to be
intended for Christ, holding the globe, and in the act of blessing; an
angel with a palm branch is on each side. The single figure on the left is
St. Peter; the figure that should correspond on the right, and all the
scripture subjects on that side, are gone. In the compartments to the
left, portions of three subjects remain; one represents the Adoration of
the Kings; another, apparently the Raising of Lazarus; the subject of the
third is doubtful, though some figures remain; the fourth is destroyed.
The small compartments in the architectural enrichments are filled with
variously-coloured pieces of glass inlaid on tinfoil, and have still a
brilliant effect. The compartments not occupied by figures were adorned
with a deep blue glass resembling lapis lazuli, with gold lines of foliage
executed on it. The smaller spaces and mouldings were enriched with cameos
and gems; some of which still remain. This interesting work of art lay
neglected in a Chapel near the North Transept, till Mr. Blore, with the
permission of the Dean and Chapter, had it placed for security in the case
in which it is now seen. It is supposed to have originally formed part of
the decoration of the high altar. Its date may be fixed at the close of
the thirteenth or beginning of the fourteenth century.
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