DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6910#0152
MALMSBURY ABBEY CHURCH.
97
prevails.* The present remains (as laid down in the ground-plan, Plate I. and ex-
hibited in the other prints) comprise only that part of the church called the nave,
with its ailes, parts of the transept, and a large porch on the southern side. In this
fragment of a large pile are displayed three or four different styles, all of which
appear to have gradually advanced in lightness of form and elegance of character.
The perfect semi-circular arch, as the earliest example, is conspicuous in the western
front, the southern porch, the original lower tier of windows round the ailes, and in
* In this essay, and in the subsequent parts of the present work, I shall find it necessary to employ some pre-
cise terms, calculated to characterize the various styles of that ancient architecture which peculiarly belongs to
Great Britain, and of which we are endeavouring to investigate the history, and ascertain the principles. The
usual common-place terms of Saxon and Gothic, are not only extremely vague, but, from indiscriminate applica-
tion, are completely nugatory. It is time this was remedied: and it is rather a reproach to antiquarian literature,
that such improper and imperfect words should have so long continued in general use. Though almost every
wnter, on this subject, reprobates the latter term as applied to architecture, yet all continue to use it, as if it were
criminal to correct inaccuracy, or oppose an absurd custom, that would be "more honoured in the breach, than in
the observance." Though I am not disposed to employ an imperious dictatorial tone, to enforce the necessity of
the following arrangement and classification, yet I am persuaded that every one who feels the necessity of render-
ing language unequivocal, of being definite and precise in his own writings, and who hopes to avoid all mistakes in
construing the terms employed by others, will admit the propriety of the plan now suggested, or give it a better
modification.
I would recommend that each decisive variety of style, in ancient buildings, be designated by one of the follow-
ing phrases, agreeably to the era of its prevalence ; and to be more precise in these, it may be necessary to specify
five divisions, or eras of time; each of which is marked by a distinct style of architecture in the public buildings
erected during the respective periods.
SKETCH OF A NOMENCLATURE OF ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE ;
intended to affix precise terms to each peculiar style in english buildings.
First Style.—Anglo-Saxon. This will embrace all buildings that were erected between the time of the con-
version of the Saxons, and the Norman Conquest, from A. D. 597, to A. D. 1066.
Second Style.—Anglo Norman; by which will be meant that style which prevailed from 1066 to 1189, in-
cluding the reigns of Williams I. and II. Henry I. Stephen, and Henry II.
Third Style.—English, from 1189 to 1272, embracing the reigns of Richard I. John, and Henry III.
Fourth Style.—Decorated English, from 1272 to 1461, including the reigns of Edwards I. II. and III.
Richard II. and Henrys IV. V. and VI.
Fifth Style.—Highly decorated, or florid English, from 1461 to 1509, including the reigns of Edwards IV.
and V. Richard III. and Henry VII.
From this era we lose sight of all style and congruity; and the public buildings erected during the days of
Henry VITI. Elizabeth, and James I. may be characterized by the terms of Debased English or Anglo-Italian.
As all these styles are intended to be exhibited and described in the course of this work, I shall merely observe
at present, that though each is very distinct and different from the other, yet during the intermediate time when one
style was growing into repute and the other sinking in favour, there will be found a mixture of both in one
building, which is not referable to either, and which has constituted the greatest problem in antiquarian science.
For much curious and interesting information on this subject, see Dallaway's "Observations on English Architec-
ture," &c. 8vo. 1806.
O. VOL. I.
97
prevails.* The present remains (as laid down in the ground-plan, Plate I. and ex-
hibited in the other prints) comprise only that part of the church called the nave,
with its ailes, parts of the transept, and a large porch on the southern side. In this
fragment of a large pile are displayed three or four different styles, all of which
appear to have gradually advanced in lightness of form and elegance of character.
The perfect semi-circular arch, as the earliest example, is conspicuous in the western
front, the southern porch, the original lower tier of windows round the ailes, and in
* In this essay, and in the subsequent parts of the present work, I shall find it necessary to employ some pre-
cise terms, calculated to characterize the various styles of that ancient architecture which peculiarly belongs to
Great Britain, and of which we are endeavouring to investigate the history, and ascertain the principles. The
usual common-place terms of Saxon and Gothic, are not only extremely vague, but, from indiscriminate applica-
tion, are completely nugatory. It is time this was remedied: and it is rather a reproach to antiquarian literature,
that such improper and imperfect words should have so long continued in general use. Though almost every
wnter, on this subject, reprobates the latter term as applied to architecture, yet all continue to use it, as if it were
criminal to correct inaccuracy, or oppose an absurd custom, that would be "more honoured in the breach, than in
the observance." Though I am not disposed to employ an imperious dictatorial tone, to enforce the necessity of
the following arrangement and classification, yet I am persuaded that every one who feels the necessity of render-
ing language unequivocal, of being definite and precise in his own writings, and who hopes to avoid all mistakes in
construing the terms employed by others, will admit the propriety of the plan now suggested, or give it a better
modification.
I would recommend that each decisive variety of style, in ancient buildings, be designated by one of the follow-
ing phrases, agreeably to the era of its prevalence ; and to be more precise in these, it may be necessary to specify
five divisions, or eras of time; each of which is marked by a distinct style of architecture in the public buildings
erected during the respective periods.
SKETCH OF A NOMENCLATURE OF ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE ;
intended to affix precise terms to each peculiar style in english buildings.
First Style.—Anglo-Saxon. This will embrace all buildings that were erected between the time of the con-
version of the Saxons, and the Norman Conquest, from A. D. 597, to A. D. 1066.
Second Style.—Anglo Norman; by which will be meant that style which prevailed from 1066 to 1189, in-
cluding the reigns of Williams I. and II. Henry I. Stephen, and Henry II.
Third Style.—English, from 1189 to 1272, embracing the reigns of Richard I. John, and Henry III.
Fourth Style.—Decorated English, from 1272 to 1461, including the reigns of Edwards I. II. and III.
Richard II. and Henrys IV. V. and VI.
Fifth Style.—Highly decorated, or florid English, from 1461 to 1509, including the reigns of Edwards IV.
and V. Richard III. and Henry VII.
From this era we lose sight of all style and congruity; and the public buildings erected during the days of
Henry VITI. Elizabeth, and James I. may be characterized by the terms of Debased English or Anglo-Italian.
As all these styles are intended to be exhibited and described in the course of this work, I shall merely observe
at present, that though each is very distinct and different from the other, yet during the intermediate time when one
style was growing into repute and the other sinking in favour, there will be found a mixture of both in one
building, which is not referable to either, and which has constituted the greatest problem in antiquarian science.
For much curious and interesting information on this subject, see Dallaway's "Observations on English Architec-
ture," &c. 8vo. 1806.
O. VOL. I.