Fergusson, James: A history of architecture in all countries, from the earliest times to the present day: in five volumes (Band 2) (London, 1893)

138

FRENCH ARCHITECTURE.

Paet II.

or northern spire was erected by Jean Texier between the years 1507
and 1514, and, notwithstanding the lateness of its date, it must be
considered as on the whole the most beautifully designed spire on the
continent of Europe ; and, though not equal in height, 1 certainly far
surpassing in elegance of outline and appropriateness of design those
at Strasburg, Vienna, or even Antwerp. If it has rivals it is that at

627. North-west View of the Cathedral at Chartres. (From Chapuy.)

Friburg, or those designed for the cathedral at Cologne ; but were its
details of the same date, it can hardly be doubted that it would be
considered the finest spire of the three.

The transepts at Chartres have more projection than those of Paris,
and were originally designed with two towers to each, and two others

Thc height of the old spirc is 342 ft. 6 in. with thc cross ; of thc new, 371 ft.