35. Plan of Pall Mall Continuation (as proposed) 286 36. Plan of proposed Extension of New Palace at Westminster, to enclose New Palace Yard 292 37. View of the same from Great George Street 292 38. Lithographed Plan of proposed Westminster Improvements (_in pocket_) _see_ 294-299 39. Facsimile of drawing of the same (_in pocket_) _see_ 294-299 MEMOIR OF SIR CHARLES BARRY, R.A. CHAPTER I. 1795-1817. EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION. Object of the work--Birth of Charles Barry--His childhood, schooldays, and apprenticeship--His early efforts and amusements--His self-education and its effects on his character--His determination to travel--His matrimonial engagement. In the compilation of this memoir of my late father I have endeavoured to keep two objects in view. It is desired, on the one hand, to preserve for his family and his many personal friends some record of his private life and character. It is thought, on the other, that there will be some public value and interest in a notice of his opinions, designs, and works, and a general record of his professional career. Even to the public at large it is conceived that his life, though it presents but little variety of incident, may yet be worth telling. He started with no advantages of birth, and with an imperfect education; he was supported by no influential connection or school of art, and was aided by no patronage except that which his own merit commanded. He won for himself a place among the foremost architects of Europe, not more by his talents than by a life-long devotion to his art, and an extraordinary power of work. Having earned this high position, he paid its usual penalty in the many difficulties and misrepresentations, which are inevitable to a professional career, and which, though they may be stoutly met, tend, far more than any mere work, to wear out the energies and shorten the life. The interest of biography seems to lie, not so much in variety of event, as in its illustration of human character, and the ordinary conditions of human life. It is hoped that this interest may not be altogether wanting in the following pages.