DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.32037#0017
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
XI
chantries, and the removal of the ancient tombs from the graves
to which they belonged, in order to range them in rank and file.
These barbarisms were praised and admired, because the public mind
w Tas ignorant on the subject. Fortunately, a partial check was put
to the progress of innovation, and Durham Cathedral was saved from
the completion of its intended improvements. The magnificent
rere-dos of the high altar, the episcopal throne, the western chapel,
called the “ Galilee,” and the “Nine Altars ” at the east end, were
left untouched; but the chapter-house, which had no equal in its
peculiar style, was sacrificed for the erection of a common square
parlour; and the pencil of the indefatigable John Carter has pre-
served all that is left to posterity of that most curious edifice. Such
havoc could not be committed with impunity in the present day,
or at least it would soon become a subject of general and severe
animadversion ;* for the study of ancient architecture is not now
confined to the mere antiquary, but has become almost a part of
polite education, and no architect can make any creditable pretensions
to professional knowledge without an intimate acquaintance with the
varieties of the Gothic style.
The revival of Gothic architecture seems almost peculiar to this
country; scarcely any thing having been done on the continent in
the construction of modern buildings after this manner, and but
little in the investigation of ancient monuments. This backward-
ness of taste in our neighbours is mortifying to the English student;
as undoubtedly a great fund of curious information, relative to the
practice of architecture during the middle ages, will be brought
forth whenever the study of the Gothic style shall become general
on the continent. One important fact has been abundantly evinced ;
viz., that there are no solid grounds for the pretensions advanced by
certain writers to the pointed arch as our national invention, in
# This may be inferrecl from the excitement shewn on the proposed removal of the
ancient rood-loft, now used for the organ, in York Minster. Those gentlemen who are
advocates of that measure, would do well to peruse the “ Dissertation” referred to in the
last note.
XI
chantries, and the removal of the ancient tombs from the graves
to which they belonged, in order to range them in rank and file.
These barbarisms were praised and admired, because the public mind
w Tas ignorant on the subject. Fortunately, a partial check was put
to the progress of innovation, and Durham Cathedral was saved from
the completion of its intended improvements. The magnificent
rere-dos of the high altar, the episcopal throne, the western chapel,
called the “ Galilee,” and the “Nine Altars ” at the east end, were
left untouched; but the chapter-house, which had no equal in its
peculiar style, was sacrificed for the erection of a common square
parlour; and the pencil of the indefatigable John Carter has pre-
served all that is left to posterity of that most curious edifice. Such
havoc could not be committed with impunity in the present day,
or at least it would soon become a subject of general and severe
animadversion ;* for the study of ancient architecture is not now
confined to the mere antiquary, but has become almost a part of
polite education, and no architect can make any creditable pretensions
to professional knowledge without an intimate acquaintance with the
varieties of the Gothic style.
The revival of Gothic architecture seems almost peculiar to this
country; scarcely any thing having been done on the continent in
the construction of modern buildings after this manner, and but
little in the investigation of ancient monuments. This backward-
ness of taste in our neighbours is mortifying to the English student;
as undoubtedly a great fund of curious information, relative to the
practice of architecture during the middle ages, will be brought
forth whenever the study of the Gothic style shall become general
on the continent. One important fact has been abundantly evinced ;
viz., that there are no solid grounds for the pretensions advanced by
certain writers to the pointed arch as our national invention, in
# This may be inferrecl from the excitement shewn on the proposed removal of the
ancient rood-loft, now used for the organ, in York Minster. Those gentlemen who are
advocates of that measure, would do well to peruse the “ Dissertation” referred to in the
last note.