Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 6.djvu/70



resuming my architectural notices, it is as well to remind the reader that I do not profess to call his attention to all the remarkable objects of any district from which I may select my specimens. I shall often pass by some building of great beauty and interest, while I take note of a comparatively insignificant one in its immediate neighbourhood. And it may not always be easy to give a reason for my choice, unless it be that the finest specimens are generally pretty well known, and that in the study of those of less note we may occasionally meet with new and characteristic features, and discover combinations interesting both to the antiquary and the practical architect. Many of the more important structures which I have visited would require a much fuller description than is suitable for such a memoir as the present; for instance, the magnificent remains of Pershore Church, of which I shall therefore say nothing beyond remarking that the visitor ought by no means to neglect going up into the story of the tower above the present roof, originally, without doubt, opened as a lantern, which forms a rare and beautiful- composition of decorated work.

And again, smaller churches are more liable to the danger of restoration. Many precious objects have been irreparably lost to the antiquary by the zeal of persons who consider the neat and perfect appearance of new work to be more suitable to a church, than the dignity resulting from the gradual impression of ages, and the force of long associations.

About six miles to the north of Cheltenham, near a remarkable eminence distinguished from the rest of the range by its insulated position and a single tree upon its summit, is the village (if the term can be applied to so small a group) of Stanley-Pontlarge. Here we find that combination which is so common in Gloucestershire; viz., the large farm-house, originally perhaps a manor-house of some importance, and