DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6910#0021
s
architectural antiquities.
DUNSTAPLE, BEDFORDSHIRE.
" The west front of Dunstaple Priory Church, carries on its face the whole system
of our ancient architecture from the pure Saxon, its intermediate changes, the
introduction of the pointed mode, the conflict between them for preference, the
entire emancipation of the latter, to a full and beauteous display, its decline also in
perfection, and near extinction, even so low as the sixteenth century. So complete
a school of information, brought into one point on the present subject, is really
extraordinary, and cannot otherwise be accounted for than by inferring such an
object had formation, at every particular epoch of architectural change, as the work
underwent some material repair or alteration."*
To elucidate the history of this singular building, and explain its architectural
characteristics, it will be necessary first to examine the principal historical data, and
then see how far they tend to illustrate and develope the various styles which are
concentrated in this complex and interesting structure. In perusing the annals of
religious houses, we have constant cause to regret the omission of satisfactory
documents relating to the descriptions of original buildings, or the material
alterations made at different periods. Wanting these important lights, we are com-
pelled to wander in a pathless maze, and grope about in perplexing darkness. If a
glimmering ray occasionally breaks in upon the aching sight, we are cheered in the
pursuit, and hope stimulates fatigued curiosity. Thus, in the " Chronicle of Dun-
staple,"f we find only a few obscure memoranda relating to the building of this
church, though the entries are copious concerning the customs, J litigations, and
disputes between the monks and the townsmen.
* Carter : Gentleman's Magazine, May 1805, p. 428.
t This work was published by Hearne, in 2 vols. 8vo. 1/33, entitled, " Chronicon sive Annates prioratus de
Dunstaple, una cum excerptis e chartulario ejusdem prioratus." "This ancient Chronicle," observes Mr. Gough,
" was written in great part by Richard de Morins, Prior here, who died 1252. Wanley gives an account of him
in the Harleian Catalogue."
J An instance which occurs in the Chronicle, Anno. Dom. 1248, will serve to characterise one feature in the
customs of the times. " On St. Simon and Jude's day, died Simon de Edelesbure, and was buried in our church
before the Cross ; of whose goods were procured for the high altar a silver chalice, missal, vestment, a lamp with
architectural antiquities.
DUNSTAPLE, BEDFORDSHIRE.
" The west front of Dunstaple Priory Church, carries on its face the whole system
of our ancient architecture from the pure Saxon, its intermediate changes, the
introduction of the pointed mode, the conflict between them for preference, the
entire emancipation of the latter, to a full and beauteous display, its decline also in
perfection, and near extinction, even so low as the sixteenth century. So complete
a school of information, brought into one point on the present subject, is really
extraordinary, and cannot otherwise be accounted for than by inferring such an
object had formation, at every particular epoch of architectural change, as the work
underwent some material repair or alteration."*
To elucidate the history of this singular building, and explain its architectural
characteristics, it will be necessary first to examine the principal historical data, and
then see how far they tend to illustrate and develope the various styles which are
concentrated in this complex and interesting structure. In perusing the annals of
religious houses, we have constant cause to regret the omission of satisfactory
documents relating to the descriptions of original buildings, or the material
alterations made at different periods. Wanting these important lights, we are com-
pelled to wander in a pathless maze, and grope about in perplexing darkness. If a
glimmering ray occasionally breaks in upon the aching sight, we are cheered in the
pursuit, and hope stimulates fatigued curiosity. Thus, in the " Chronicle of Dun-
staple,"f we find only a few obscure memoranda relating to the building of this
church, though the entries are copious concerning the customs, J litigations, and
disputes between the monks and the townsmen.
* Carter : Gentleman's Magazine, May 1805, p. 428.
t This work was published by Hearne, in 2 vols. 8vo. 1/33, entitled, " Chronicon sive Annates prioratus de
Dunstaple, una cum excerptis e chartulario ejusdem prioratus." "This ancient Chronicle," observes Mr. Gough,
" was written in great part by Richard de Morins, Prior here, who died 1252. Wanley gives an account of him
in the Harleian Catalogue."
J An instance which occurs in the Chronicle, Anno. Dom. 1248, will serve to characterise one feature in the
customs of the times. " On St. Simon and Jude's day, died Simon de Edelesbure, and was buried in our church
before the Cross ; of whose goods were procured for the high altar a silver chalice, missal, vestment, a lamp with