Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/595

 1869.] The Minsters of England. 485 members, and capitals, richly and fanci- fully sculptured ; arches with acute and with obtuse heads, also some nearly semi-circular are all seen. Irregularity and discordance are rather too preva- lent, to be pleasant to the eye, in this part of the interior. But, without the necessaiy illustrations, we would find it a difficult matter to convey our ideas to our Review readers ; and will, there- fore, spare their patience. The transepts at the northern and southern extremities are quite dissimi- lar. The elevation of that on the north side presents five tall lancet windows, called the five sisters. The reader will doubtless recall the pretty story entitled The Five Sisters of York, by Charles Dickens. Whether that delightful delineator of human na- ture derived his data from a traditional source, or a mental suggestion, we know not; but, the name is suggestive enough ; and, as no other reason for it is known to the antiquaries of our day, we will accept it, as the legendary chronicle of the five windows, we now look upon. AboA*e the " Sisters" are five other lancet windows of varied heights, the upper parts of which rise above the vaulted roof. Beneath the sills of the lower windows is a series of blank arches, with trefoil heads. At the northeast corner of this transept is the entrance to the chapter-house, the doorway of which is of singular form and ornament. Through the eastern wall is another doorway, which is supposed to have led to an older chapter-house than the present. The capitals of the columns, the brackets, the mouldings of arches, the bosses, &c, of this part of the transept, are all en- riched with bold and elaborate sculp- ture. The connection of the south transept with the tower, the nave, and the choir, shows much alteration. The Nave : On entering this part of the mighty structure, from the west end, the vastness of its dimensions produces an imposing and even an awful effect ; and the mildly glowing lights, which its "storied windows" diffuse, tinge every part with a delightful warmth. The simplicity of its principal lines soon strikes the eye of the spectator. The pillars are remarkably plain ; and con- sist of three-quarter shafts, or columns, alternately larger and smaller, attached to a solid pier ; part of these rise up quite to the springing of the groined roof, whilst the remainder support the vaulting of the aisles, and the principal side arches. The bases and capitals are very simple, and rather flat; the latter are, however, wrought in sharp foliage. Above each ©f the principal arches, which are all highly pointed, is a spa- cious window, of five lights in breadth. Between this and the arch is an open triforium of unusual formation. It con- sists of five openings, between mullions, with trefoil heads and acute pediments. In the centre opening was a statue. The aisles display a grandeur un- equalled in this kingdom, possessing the loftiness of those of Westminster without the narrowness of that beautiful structure. The windows have a striking resemblance to those of Westminster, only enlarged to three lights in breadth, and the arched heads enriched with three quartre-foils instead of one. The wall, below the windows is adorned by paneling and tracery, with light crocket- ed gables, divided by corresponding pin- nacles. As we advance up the nave, the inte- rior of the great tower, or lantern, is gradually developed. The vastness of the clustered piers, that bear aloft the arches, is managed so happily, as to confine the view to the most admirable parts. The gorgeous front of the olden rood-loft, immediately before us, is peo- pled by several figures of the ancient sovereigns. The arched roof of the choir appears to great advantage in the distance, and makes us regret, that the perspective should be interrupted by the case of the organ.