Page:A history of architecture on the comparative method for the student, craftsman, and amateur.djvu/357

 ENGLISH GOTHIC. 299 termination, sometimes developed into a chevct, but the English type evolved through Durham to Lincoln had square eastern terminations from the Saxon prototype (page 327), which produced a very different external effect. The transepts project considerably, and there are occasionally secondary transepts, as at Salisbury, Canterbury, Lincoln, Wells and Worcester. The Chapel of the Nine Altars at Durham (a.d. i 242-1 290) is in reality an eastern transept. The main entrance was frequently by a south-western porch, acting as a screen against the cold winds, and in contrast to the large western porches of the French Cathedrals. The English Cathedrals, in striking contrast with the French examples, owe their internal effect to their enormous length, which is further emphasized by the comparative lowness of the nave vault. The exteriors are in direct contrast to Continental examples, for the buildings, being mostly situated in a quiet " close " " far from the madding crowd," and seen in conjunction with cloisters, refectory and outbuildings, form a part only of the entire composition (page 276). The characteristic high central tower, as at Lincoln, York, Ely, Gloucester, Canterbury and Durham, is rendered very effective in contrast with the low nave. The central tower is generally accompanied by two western towers, and is sometimes crowned with a high tapering spire, as at Salisbury and Norwich, while at Lichfield (No. 116) all three towers are crowned with spires. Flying buttresses are not nearly so common as in France, owing to the comparative lowness of the nave vault. In France the flying buttresses to the chevet end of the building produce a confused, restless effect {cf. No. loi) absent in the English buildings. Chapter houses were required for the transaction of business by the chapter or bishop's council. They were originally square in plan, as at Bristol (a.d. ii 42-1 170), but the example at Durham (a.d. 1093-1140) is apsidal, and that at Worcester (a.d. 1084- II 60) is circular internally. The normal type is octagonal with a central pillar to support the vaulting, as at Lincoln (1225), Westminster (1250), Salisbury (1250), and Wells (1292) (No. 70 k), all of which have vaults supported by a central pillar and the surrounding walls. York (1280- 1 330) is also octagonal, but has no central pillar, being covered with a sham wooden vault 57 feet in diameter. Note. — See Nos. 114, 115 and 116 for comparative views of models of the Cathedrals, and Nos. 1 17-120 for the plans. The characteristics peculiar to the leading cathedrals are here indicated, and for the sake of brevity the Early English, Decorated, and Perpendicular