Page:A History of Architecture in All Countries Vol 2.djvu/224

208 208 ARCHITECTURE OF SCOTLAND. Part II. The bishopric was founded by David L, but it was not till after several destructions by fire that the present building was commenced, probably about the year 1240. The crypt and the whole of the choir belong to the latter part of the 13th century, the nave to the 14th, the tower and spire to the 15th. The central aisle never having been intended to be vaulted, the architect has been enabled to dispense with all pinnacles, flying buttresses, and such expedients, and thus to give the whole outline a degree of solidity and repose which is extremely beautiful, and accords perfectly with the simi^le lancet openings which prevail throughout. 1. Plan of Glasgow Cathedral. 2. Plan of Crypt, Glasgow Cathedrai. Scale 100 ft. to 1 in. 638. (From J. Collie's Description of this Church.) The whole length of the building externally, exclusive of the western towers, one of which has recently been pulled down, is 300 feet, the breadth 73, and the area about 26,400 feet, so that it is far from being a large building; but its situation is so good, and its design and proportions so appropriate and satisfactory throughout, tliat it is more imposing than many others of twice its dimensions. The spire, which is 219 feet in height from the floor of the church, is in perfect proportion to the rest of the building, both in dimensions and outline, and aids very much the general effect of the whole.