How to Visit the English CathedralsSingleton, Esther
History
How to Visit the English Cathedrals
Singleton, Esther
Cathedrals -- England
“In 1857 began the great restoration of the cathedral under the
auspices of Mr. Perkins, the architect to the dean and chapter,
whose work was continued and amplified by Sir Gilbert Scott, who
was employed after 1864.
“The results of this restoration, probably the most complete and
far-reaching undergone by any British cathedral, include the
exterior and interior of the tower, the pavements throughout the
building; the decoration of the choir and Lady-chapel; all the
windows, and almost the whole of the furniture and fittings,
including a new reredos, choir-screen, organ and pulpit. The
restored cathedral was reopened, with a magnificent choral service
on the 8th of April, 1874. Since that date many additions have been
made, splendid evidences of the survival of the old local
patriotism; for almost everything is due to the munificence of
local donors.”--(E. F. S.)
The chief feature is the central =Tower=, supposed to have been completed
in 1374. It has been restored carefully.
“It is of two stages. The first has two lancets on each side,
within an arcade of seven bays. Each of the upper stages has two
louvred windows surmounted by crocketed canopies, and ornamented by
three large sculptured figures in niches, of the whole twelve of
which, six are modern. The whole is crowned by an open rail, or
parapet, with six spirelets on either side and a crocketed pinnacle
at each corner.”--(E. F. S.)
The =West End= contains one large modern window of eight lights with a
wheel window above. The gable, with three small lancet windows, is
surmounted by a cross and flanked by two buttresses topped by pinnacles.
The doorway in the west front is also modern (1857-1873); but parts of
the old Norman doorway have been inserted.
On the north side, the =North Porch= (24 feet long and 8 feet broad)
consists of two bays. The front was restored. The sculptured figures in
the canopied niches are Christ and the Twelve Apostles. Above these is a
row of saints and then Perpendicular battlements. An exterior turret
and staircase lead to the rooms above it, occupied by the porter. Two
bays, each with a window, follow; then comes the Jesus Chapel; then one
more bay; and then the north-transept, with its gable, cross and
pinnacles; then four more bays; then the choir; then three more bays;
and, finally, the Lady-Chapel. The south side is similar, with the
exception of the projecting Chapel of St. John.
Pinnacles are a striking feature on all sides of the edifice.
On entering we are struck with the long vista, for the closed
choir-screen, found in so many English cathedrals, is conspicuously
absent. The proportions of the =Nave= are justly admired. It
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account