DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6887#0019
WESTMINSTER ABBEY. 7
the whole is covered with a variety, intricacy, and richness of sculpture, that baffle
the attempt to give an adequate description.
Sir Christopher Wren observes, respecting this chapel, that it is so eaten up
by our weather, as to beg for some compassion; " which," be adds, " I hope the
" sovereign power will feel, since it is the sepulture of the royal family." Such
was its condition at the commencement of the last century, during which long
interval, the corrosions of time and climate have not been suspended ; and many
of its beautiful parts, consisting of pinnacles, canopies, arches, foliage, armorial
bearings, with other elaborate sculptures, are become shapeless and decayed, and,
in some places, even to obliteration.
This lamentable, but not exaggerated description is, however, yielding to
the progress of complete restoration, under the pious care of the present dean and
chapter, and by the aid of parliament; which has displayed a most laudable soli-
citude to preserve from decay one of the most distinguished and admired orna-
ments, not only of the metropolis but of the kingdom; and which is in the imme-
diate vicinity of the place where it assembles.
Till the western towers were erected, the line of the roof, with what may be
considered as the base for a central tower, which is now called the lantern, was
the only part of the structure, and by no means of an attractive character, which
was visible in a distant view. In the time of Abbot Islip, it was proposed to erect
a tower, and place a lofty spire on it; but the pillars below, which rise in the
angles of the cross, were considered as not possessing sufficient strength to bear
the weight which such an addition to the building would impose upon them. Sir
Christopher Wren entertained a different opinion, which, it may be presumed,
might be confidently acted upon. In his letter to the Bishop of Rochester,
relative to the state and repairs of the church, which has been so frequently
quoted, he urges, in a very animated manner, the erection of a spire; and actually
the whole is covered with a variety, intricacy, and richness of sculpture, that baffle
the attempt to give an adequate description.
Sir Christopher Wren observes, respecting this chapel, that it is so eaten up
by our weather, as to beg for some compassion; " which," be adds, " I hope the
" sovereign power will feel, since it is the sepulture of the royal family." Such
was its condition at the commencement of the last century, during which long
interval, the corrosions of time and climate have not been suspended ; and many
of its beautiful parts, consisting of pinnacles, canopies, arches, foliage, armorial
bearings, with other elaborate sculptures, are become shapeless and decayed, and,
in some places, even to obliteration.
This lamentable, but not exaggerated description is, however, yielding to
the progress of complete restoration, under the pious care of the present dean and
chapter, and by the aid of parliament; which has displayed a most laudable soli-
citude to preserve from decay one of the most distinguished and admired orna-
ments, not only of the metropolis but of the kingdom; and which is in the imme-
diate vicinity of the place where it assembles.
Till the western towers were erected, the line of the roof, with what may be
considered as the base for a central tower, which is now called the lantern, was
the only part of the structure, and by no means of an attractive character, which
was visible in a distant view. In the time of Abbot Islip, it was proposed to erect
a tower, and place a lofty spire on it; but the pillars below, which rise in the
angles of the cross, were considered as not possessing sufficient strength to bear
the weight which such an addition to the building would impose upon them. Sir
Christopher Wren entertained a different opinion, which, it may be presumed,
might be confidently acted upon. In his letter to the Bishop of Rochester,
relative to the state and repairs of the church, which has been so frequently
quoted, he urges, in a very animated manner, the erection of a spire; and actually