Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/514

 420 The Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal. [Jan., and tracery mullions. At the southwest angle is a newel staircase, surmounted by a veiy rich octangular pinnacled tur- ret. At the junction of this nave and transept with the choir is the great central tower, which is distinguished for magnitude of form and decorative finish. At each corner is a sort of octagonal tower, the angles of which are finished with squared mouldings, or pilasters, crowned with pinnacles. Between these eight pinnacles rises an octagonal turret, finished by a spire pinnacle. The sides of the tower are occupied by two deeply-recessed windows in each story, divided by a pilaster, and each pair again separated by mouldings, panels, &c. Branching from this tran- sept eastward is an extraneous building, having a monumental chapel on the ground floor, and an apartment above. The north side of the cathedral, in general arrangement and members, very nearly resembles the south, but the whole cannot be seen, some old buildings modernized, and new buildings, without any architectural features, now occupy most of the ground very near the whole of this side, from the principal transept tothe east end. From the southwest the most extended view is obtained ; but this merely embraces a part of the church. It is necessary to move to several stations, at different distances, to inspect the whole of the south side. Still from the circumstance of its having two towers at the west end, one in the centre, of large and lofty character, two others combined with its eastern transept, from the variety of lines and forms, from having two tran- septs and projecting chapels, and from the singularity of the circular tower at the east end, and diversity of styles, forms, and characteristics in its many members, Canterbury Cathedral cannot fail to arrest the attention of every inquisitive stranger, and arouse more than common emotions in the mind of the architectural antiquary. Viewed externally, the Cathedral un- der consideration is a powerful exempli- fication of the capabilities, varieties and merits of Christian architecture. Con- sidered in its historical relations, as well as in its architectural characteris- tics, it naturally awakens associations and expectations of varied and impe- rious interest. The interior is by far more impressive and interesting than the exterior. It consists of a nave and aisles, a short transept with two chapels, a choir and aisles elevated above the level of the nave by a flight of steps ; another tran- sept of larger dimensions than the for- mer, with two semi-circular recesses on the east side of each, and two square towers to the west ; a presb3 r tery, east of these, with steps to the altar and aisles continued ; two chapels on the north and south sides of the altar, flights of steps behind the altar to the Trinity Chapel, which has aisles ; and a circular building, called the baptistry. Between the latter and the cloister is a long pas- sage, with old semi-circular arches, con- necting the Cathedral with some very- ancient buildings to the north. On entering the church, from the south porch, the stranger is immediately im- pressed with the loftiness, narrowness, solidity of piers and arches, and uniform beaut}' and harmony of the nave and Us aisles. On each side of the nave is a series of nine clustered columns or piers, sustaining the wall of the triforium, which is closed except by a few small openings. Over these is a row of clerestory windows. The aisles are lofty and narrow ; and the windows partake of the same character but the whole is marked by solidity and strength. The whole western end of the nave is occupied by a large, handsome window, divided into seven upright bays, b} r six mullions ; and again divided horizon- tally into six compartments, or series of openings, with cinque-foil heads. The window is filled with painted glass, rep- resenting full-length figures of saints.