How to Visit the English CathedralsSingleton, Esther
History
How to Visit the English Cathedrals
Singleton, Esther
Cathedrals -- England
“In the immediate Precincts, a delightful picture is presented from
the Green Court, which was once the main outer court of the
monastery. Here are noble trees and beautifully kept turf, at once
in perfect harmony and agreeable contrast with the rugged walls of
the weather-beaten Cathedral: the quiet, soft colouring of the
ancient buildings and that look of cloistered seclusion only to be
found in the peaceful nooks of cathedral cities are seen here at
their very best.
“The chief glory of the exterior of Canterbury Cathedral is the
central Angel, or Bell, Tower. This is one of the most perfect
structures that Gothic architecture inspired by the loftiest
purpose that ever stimulated the work of any art, has produced. It
was completed by Prior Selling, who held office in 1472, and has
been variously called the Bell Harry Tower from the mighty Dunstan
bell, weighing three tons and three hundredweight, and the Angel
Tower from the gilded figure of an angel poised on one of the
pinnacles, which has long ago disappeared. The tower itself is of
two stages, with two-light windows in each stage; the windows are
transomed in each face, and the lower tier is canopied; each angle
is rounded off with an octagonal turret; and the whole structure is
a marvellous example of architectural harmony and in every way a
work of transcendent beauty.”--(H. W.)
The =South-west=, or =Chichele, Tower=, (formerly St. Dunstan’s Tower) was
completed by Prior Goldstone (1449-1468). It is now the Bell Tower. The
=Northern=, or Arundel, steeple was rebuilt by Austen in 1840 in place of
the old Norman Tower, which had become dangerous.
“The western towers are built each of six stages: each of the two
upper tiers contains two two-light windows, while below there is a
large four-light window uniform with the windows of the aisles. The
base tier is ornamented with rich panelling. The parapet is
battlemented and the angles are finished with fine double
pinnacles. At the west end there is a large window of seven-light
transoms. The gable contains a window of very curious shape, filled
with intricate tracery. The space above the aisle windows is
ornamented with quatrefoiled squares, and the clerestory is pierced
by windows of three lights.”--(H. W.)
Above the aisle windows are quatrefoiled squares. The clerestory, Choir
and Becket’s Crown contain lancet windows. In the main transept there is
a fine Perpendicular window of eight lights.
The South side of the Cathedral is the one most generally admired.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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