Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 3.djvu/80

60 ton. I am more disposed to suspect that the evidence referred to does not convey the full truth, and that something yet remains to be discovered, which by transferring them to a period more in accordance with their style, will relieve us from a most perplexing difficulty, in judging of dates by the analogies of style; a principle which has long been established, and which in most cases we have reason to hope and believe has led to correct conclusions. Such a complete revolution however in the style of the pointed architecture, as I have above referred to, could scarcely have been effected in so short a period, had it not been encouraged by the powerful example and influence of a distinguished practitioner in the art of architecture, and we know of no contemporary whose influence was so great, or so likely to fully accomplish such a change, as this prelate.

Of Wykham's acknowledged works there remain at the present time the two noble foundations at Oxford and Winchester, and the adaptation of the style which I conceive he had introduced upon the existing Norman nave of Winchester Cathedral. It is further on record that he was largely employed on the works carried on under his patron Edward III. at Windsor: but owing to the great changes which have taken place in this royal fortress and palace, particularly within the present century, little remains of an architectural character which can be ascribed to this prelate. Some of the vaultings in the basement may probably have formed the substructions on which his more finished works rested; but beyond these almost everything has disappeared. I cannot help thinking that the north transept of Merton College Chapel, Oxford, may be safely added to the list of his works, as it certainly belongs to the same period, has some details which correspond exactly with those of his college in that University, and is beyond all question one of the most beautifully designed elevations, both in its general arrangement and particular details, to be anywhere met with. This however is mere conjecture, as we have no documentary evidence to establish the fact.

As Wykham's great works at Windsor are said to have added much to his reputation as an architect, the architectural antiquary naturally pries most anxiously into every part of this vast fabric, in the hopes of detecting some out of the way morsel indicative of the genius of its architect, but in vain; either such fragments do not exist at all, or they are so com-