Having thus noticed what is usually considered most interesting in the interior, we will take a glance at the exterior. We have already observed that the form of the Abbey is that of a cross, in which you are to consider Henry the Seventh's Chapel has no part. The south side answered exactly to the north in the original plan, by attending to which, you will be able to form a true judgment of the whole. The cloisters on the south side were added for the conveniency of the monks, and the contiguous buildings are of a still later date. What will principally engage your attention, in viewing the outside of this building (the new towers excepted), is the magnificent portico leading to the north cross, which, by some, has been styled the _Beautiful_, or _Solomon's Gate_. This portico is Gothic, and extremely beautiful; and over it is a most magnificent window of modern design, admirably executed. The entire height of the north front to the top of the centre pinnacle is one hundred and seventy feet. The north side of the Church, between the west front and the Transept, is supported by nine graduated buttresses; each has a turreted niche, wherein are placed full length statues of the founders and principal benefactors of this Church. The towers at the west end were raised under the directions of Sir Christopher Wren, and terminate with pinnacles at the height of two hundred and twenty-five feet. _The Exterior_ length of the Abbey is four hundred and sixteen feet; including Henry Seventh's Chapel, five hundred and thirty feet. * * * * * Having now pointed out what is accounted most worthy of observation in the construction of this ancient Abbey, both without and within it, we shall next say a word or two of-- Henry Seventh's Chapel. This _wonder of the world_, as it well may be styled, is adorned without with sixteen Gothic towers, beautifully ornamented with admirable ingenuity, and jutting from the building in different angles. It is situated on the east of the Abbey to which it is so neatly joined, that at a superficial view it appears to be one and the same building. It is enlightened by a double range of windows, that throw the light into such a happy disposition, as at once to please the eye and inspire reverence. An author some years ago, has very highly, and yet not undeservedly expressed the beauty of this Chapel in the following words:--"It is the admiration of the universe; such inimitable perfection appears in every part of the whole composure, which looks so far exceeding human excellence, that it appears knit together by the fingers of angels, pursuant to the direction of Omnipotence."