The Three Choirs: A Handbook to the Cathedrals of Gloucester, Hereford, and Worcester: A Complete Description of the Buildings, a History of Each Diocese and Biographical Notices of the Bishops — John Shaqi
The Three Choirs: A Handbook to the Cathedrals of Gloucester, Hereford, and Worcester: A Complete Description of the Buildings, a History of Each Diocese and Biographical Notices of the BishopsKing, R. J. (Richard John)
Religion
The Three Choirs: A Handbook to the Cathedrals of Gloucester, Hereford, and Worcester: A Complete Description of the Buildings, a History of Each Diocese and Biographical Notices of the Bishops
VI. The _north aisle_ of the nave is, like the nave itself, Norman,
except the two western bays, which are Abbot Morwent’s. The half piers
against the wall are of the same height as those of the nave, but are
divided into several members with shafts at the angles, the capitals of
which are in some cases enriched. In each bay the Norman window-opening
remains, with zigzag mouldings and side-shafts. All are filled with
Perpendicular tracery, which is continued on the Norman wall under the
windows. A Perpendicular stone bench runs below. The windows in this
aisle are raised high, in order to clear the roof of the cloister
outside. The vaulting is ribbed, Norman.
In the Perpendicular portion of this aisle (second bay) is a very fine
doorway into the west walk of the cloister--(the monks’ entrance). A
crocketed canopy rises above it, with panellings on either side, in
which were painted figures of the Apostles. On each side of the door are
niches for figures. In the easternmost bay of this aisle is the abbot’s
entrance--also Perpendicular, but not so richly decorated. In both these
doorways, the half-groined recesses, so constructed as to admit of the
doors opening into them, should be noticed.
The Perpendicular window at the west end of this aisle has been filled
(1862) with stained glass by HARDMAN; representing the story of the
British King Lucius, who, according to one tradition, died and was
buried at Gloucester. Under the window is a tablet for Bishop WARBURTON,
(died 1779); “a prelate,” runs the inscription, “of the most sublime
genius and exquisite learning.” The slab which covers his tomb is in the
first bay between the nave and aisle. Two _monuments_ in this aisle
should be mentioned: that in the fifth bay by FLAXMAN, for SARAH MORLEY,
who died with her young child, at sea, in 1784. She rises from the sea
supported by three floating angels. Above are the words, “The sea shall
give up its dead.” The figures are graceful, and the whole composition
striking. And that in the last bay, by the choir-screen, for THOMAS
MACHEN, Alderman of Gloucester, and wife; 1614;--a very good example of
the period, but by no means one to be imitated. The window above is
filled with excellent stained glass by CLAYTON and BELL, in which the
white and neutral tints give great effect to the brilliant colour. The
subjects are the three miracles of our Lord in raising the dead:--The
Ruler’s Daughter, the Widow’s Son, and Lazarus.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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