DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6911#0108
76
architectural antiquities.
been found in various parts of England: but it will be unnecessary to refer to,
or particularise, any others. What has already been detailed will furnish tole-
rably good data, to judge of the character and extent of domestic accommo-
dations during the Anglo-Roman dynasty. In opposition to the opinion, and
assertion of Mr. Carter, (see p. 69 of this Essay) we may adduce those of another
antiquary, who, though no artist, was certainly a learned writer, and critical in-
quirer into antiquarian lore. If we regulate our own sentiments by adopting a
medium between the two, I apprehend we shall be nearer the truth than either ;
and be better qualified to appreciate the architecture of the people, and country,
which we have been investigating. Mr. King contends that the Anglo-Romans had
" no buildings of any very extraordinary kind, but only such as were slightly built,
and for the most part only one story high, and often constructed of timber; and
that their houses in general, in this country, except a nest of small chambers,
contained not much more than one good room, for the accommodation either
of a Centurion, or of a Tribune, or of any resident Roman." Again, the same
author says, "that really magnificent private mansions, did not, in this country,
commonly exist.— And that in most instances a Roman Quajstor, or Tribune, sitting
here in his toga, on his moveable sella—or wallowing on his triclinium (with
ideas well illustrated by the tessellated pavement described by Pliny in his Nat.
Hist. lib. xxxvi. c. 25,) on one of these dull, dark, and at best, ill-looking works
of mosaic, did not, after all, appear with much more real splendour, as to any
advantages from the refinements of civilized life, than an old Scotch laird, in the
Highlands, sitting in his plaid, on a joint-stool, or on a chair of not much better
construction, in the corner of his rough, rude castle-tower. These observations
may perhaps appear a little too harsh; but they are really somewhat needful to
counterbalance the unreasonable prejudices that have been too often formed; and
for elucidating the truth as founded on facts that are unquestionable."*
Anglo-Saxon Period-—Having in the preceding pages, taken rather a com-
prehensive view of the architectural features, and domestic customs of the Anglo-
Romans, it seems requisite that I should adopt a similar mode of inquiry and
illustration respecting these subjects, as manifested by the different classes, or
tribes of people who successively occupied and governed this Island. Unlike
* Munimenta Antiqua, Vol. ii.
architectural antiquities.
been found in various parts of England: but it will be unnecessary to refer to,
or particularise, any others. What has already been detailed will furnish tole-
rably good data, to judge of the character and extent of domestic accommo-
dations during the Anglo-Roman dynasty. In opposition to the opinion, and
assertion of Mr. Carter, (see p. 69 of this Essay) we may adduce those of another
antiquary, who, though no artist, was certainly a learned writer, and critical in-
quirer into antiquarian lore. If we regulate our own sentiments by adopting a
medium between the two, I apprehend we shall be nearer the truth than either ;
and be better qualified to appreciate the architecture of the people, and country,
which we have been investigating. Mr. King contends that the Anglo-Romans had
" no buildings of any very extraordinary kind, but only such as were slightly built,
and for the most part only one story high, and often constructed of timber; and
that their houses in general, in this country, except a nest of small chambers,
contained not much more than one good room, for the accommodation either
of a Centurion, or of a Tribune, or of any resident Roman." Again, the same
author says, "that really magnificent private mansions, did not, in this country,
commonly exist.— And that in most instances a Roman Quajstor, or Tribune, sitting
here in his toga, on his moveable sella—or wallowing on his triclinium (with
ideas well illustrated by the tessellated pavement described by Pliny in his Nat.
Hist. lib. xxxvi. c. 25,) on one of these dull, dark, and at best, ill-looking works
of mosaic, did not, after all, appear with much more real splendour, as to any
advantages from the refinements of civilized life, than an old Scotch laird, in the
Highlands, sitting in his plaid, on a joint-stool, or on a chair of not much better
construction, in the corner of his rough, rude castle-tower. These observations
may perhaps appear a little too harsh; but they are really somewhat needful to
counterbalance the unreasonable prejudices that have been too often formed; and
for elucidating the truth as founded on facts that are unquestionable."*
Anglo-Saxon Period-—Having in the preceding pages, taken rather a com-
prehensive view of the architectural features, and domestic customs of the Anglo-
Romans, it seems requisite that I should adopt a similar mode of inquiry and
illustration respecting these subjects, as manifested by the different classes, or
tribes of people who successively occupied and governed this Island. Unlike
* Munimenta Antiqua, Vol. ii.