The Picture of England (Volume 1); Or, Historical and Descriptive Delineations of the Most Curious Works of Nature and Art in Each County Calculated as an Agreeable Companion to the Tourist, or a Class Book for the Student (Paperback)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1820. Excerpt: ... Each division of the exterior possesses great sublimity of character;, but the grand western front is of superior attraction. This superb facade consists of a central elevation, comprising three doors of entrance and two lateral parts. Windows, arcades, niches, and numerous pieces of curious sculpture, form its principal embellishments; and above the whole rise two lofty towers. The late Earl of Burlington, distinguished for a taste in architecture, supposed the west front of this cathedral to be superior to any thing of the kind in Europe. The magnificence of the church, on a general view, is considerably augmented by an august tower which proceeds from the centre, and rises in its loftiest part to the height of 300 feet. The ground plan differs little from that of other cathedral churches already noticed. Branching from the northern side are cloisters, which communicate, as at Canterbury, with the chapter-house, The interior is rather admirable for magnitude of proportions, and commanding grandeur in general effect, than for symmetry or delicacy of component parts. The nave, is in the architectural style of the thirteenth century, and was probably, together with the central tower, erected in the reign of John, or of his son and successor Henry the Third. The upper transept and the choir are in the sharp-pointed or earnest English style, and have consequently a great irregularity of character. The pillars have detached shafts of Purbeck marble, different in form, but invariably light and slender. Some of the arches are high and pointed, whilst many are of the trefoil-shape, and others semicircular. These confused indications of an infant style in architecture scarcely offend the eye from want of symmetry, when the general display is found to have an influence over the feeli...