Rudimentary architecture; for the use of beginners. The history and description of the styles of architecture of various countries, from the earliest to the present period

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1856 Excerpt: ...Segmental-arched as well as square-headed windows were frequently used, more particularly in the clerestories; and in some instances they are set so closely together as nearly to form a continuous perforation: numerous churches in Suffolk are peculiar in this respect; those at Long Melford, Lavenham, and Lowestoft are good examples, though it Window from Chriatchurch, Hants. is nearly impossible to form an opinion of their original effect, from the absence of the stained glass with which they were filled, and for the introduction of which the windows were thus arranged. The groined ceilings of this period particularly deserve attention; in no other style is the fan-shaped or enriched radiating tracery to be found: the cloisters of several of our cathedrals retain some good examples; that of Gloucester is particularly fine. The buildings in which it is introduced on its largest scale, and in its greatest beauty, are Henry the Seventh's chapel (see pp. 115, 117); St. George's chapel, Windsor; and King's college chapel, Cambridge: in the former, the most profound skill has been displayed in the geometrical composition, in the luxuriancy of ornament, and ii the scientific principles of its construction: the means by which the numerous large stone pendants are supported are beautifully disguised by the enrichments. The ceilings in the other buildings do not present the same variety or complexity of arrangement; they possess all the elegance for which the fan-like groining is so remarkable, and the whole surface of the stone is worked into a variety of radiating traceries. The construction of the latter differs from the others in one respect; there are no aisles to act as sustaining abutments to the lateral pressure, which is much greater than in Henry the Sevent...