DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6886#0169
WESTMINSTER ABBEY. 137
As this monarch was remarkable for the exterior sanctity of his conduct, and
an unremitting attention to the offices of religion, it may be reasonably pre-
sumed, that his pious disposition had a leading influence in promoting a design
peculiarly formed for the gratification of it: at the same time, when the dignified
offices which Abbot de Berking possessed, the large portion of royal favour which
he enjoyed, and the warm and unreserved impressions which the king was
habitually prepared to receive from those whom he cherished with his regard, are
taken into consideration, it may be readily believed, that the suggestions of this
eminent ecclesiastic had their full share in determining his sovereign to engage in
the pious and splendid work.
Of this structure, the boast of that distant age when it was erected, and which
continues to be the pride of the city that, in the course of many centuries, has
arisen around it, some account may here be expected to be given: and when that
has been done by the greatest architect this country has produced, who was pro-
fessionally employed to examine and repair it, and whose genius, at length,
advanced it so much nearer perfection by the western towers which he com-
pleted, it would be an arrogant attempt to give any description but that which
he has left, and in any other words but those which his scientific mind employed
to convey it.
An historical and architectonical Account of the Collegiate Church of St. Peter, in
Westminster, and of the Repairs; in a letter from Sir Christopher Wren, in the year
1713, to the Right Reverend Doctor Francis Atterbury, Dean of Westminster and
Bishop of Rochester*.
My Lord,
When I had the honour to attend your lordship to congra-
tulate you on your episcopal dignity, and to pay that respect which particularly
concerned myself as one in your service, employed in the chief direction of the
* Wren's Parentalia.
Vol. I. t
As this monarch was remarkable for the exterior sanctity of his conduct, and
an unremitting attention to the offices of religion, it may be reasonably pre-
sumed, that his pious disposition had a leading influence in promoting a design
peculiarly formed for the gratification of it: at the same time, when the dignified
offices which Abbot de Berking possessed, the large portion of royal favour which
he enjoyed, and the warm and unreserved impressions which the king was
habitually prepared to receive from those whom he cherished with his regard, are
taken into consideration, it may be readily believed, that the suggestions of this
eminent ecclesiastic had their full share in determining his sovereign to engage in
the pious and splendid work.
Of this structure, the boast of that distant age when it was erected, and which
continues to be the pride of the city that, in the course of many centuries, has
arisen around it, some account may here be expected to be given: and when that
has been done by the greatest architect this country has produced, who was pro-
fessionally employed to examine and repair it, and whose genius, at length,
advanced it so much nearer perfection by the western towers which he com-
pleted, it would be an arrogant attempt to give any description but that which
he has left, and in any other words but those which his scientific mind employed
to convey it.
An historical and architectonical Account of the Collegiate Church of St. Peter, in
Westminster, and of the Repairs; in a letter from Sir Christopher Wren, in the year
1713, to the Right Reverend Doctor Francis Atterbury, Dean of Westminster and
Bishop of Rochester*.
My Lord,
When I had the honour to attend your lordship to congra-
tulate you on your episcopal dignity, and to pay that respect which particularly
concerned myself as one in your service, employed in the chief direction of the
* Wren's Parentalia.
Vol. I. t