DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.32037#0065
ELTHAM PALACE, KENT.
41
of the building has been determined by tbese badges; for, before tbey had been
observed, it was generally ascribed to an earlier period.
No. 3. Tbese tbree enlarged sections of tbe mouldings correspond to tbe
letters a, b, and c, marked on tbe elevation.
No. 4. The base and capital of one of tbe small columns in tbe jambs are
bere given at large, with tbe dimensions of tbeir parts in figures.
This door-case nearly corresponds in general style with one in the episcopal
palace at Lincoln, on which are the arms of Bishop Wm. Alnwick, who died
a.d. 1449. [See " Specimens,” Vol. I. p. 8, Pl. XXXIX.] It bas also been
compared with a door on tbe north side of tbe hall at Hampton Court, leading
to tbe Great Chamber ; but tbere tbe arcb is more flattened at tbe top than in
tbis of Eltbam. [See “ Specimens,” Vol. II. p. 7, Pl. XI.]
Plate VII. — Pendent, &c. in the Roof of Eltham Hall.
In tbis Plate some details of parts bave been displayed on a large scale,
in order to complete tbe explanation of tbe roof. The section comprehends
the lower part of a truss, from tbe stone corbel on wbich it rests at the
bottom to tbe cross-beam above tbe arcb. The pendent is also shewn as it
appears in front; together witli sections of tbe different pieces that compose
tbe truss, and a plan sbewing tbe mouldings underneatb. The beauty of these
pendents bas been mucb injured by tbeir being stripped of the small pinnacles
and perforated tracery with wbicb the central pieces were originally encased.
All tbe pendents bave now lost tbese ornaments; but one retained tbem not
many years since, and their form is bere delineated in faint lines, to sbew how
tbey appeared when perfect.* In concluding the description of this sumptuous
example of ancient carpentry, it is gratifying to mention, that it has lately
been repaired at the expense of government, and tbereby saved from tbe
destruction witli wbicb it was threatened. f Yet we cannot help lamenting
* It is shewn in an interior view of Eltham Hall, in Vol. I. of “ Seleet Views of London and its
Environs,” published by Messrs. Storer and Greig, in 4to., 1804. See also Mr. Buckler’s curious
little volume, pp. 32, 78. The pendents in the roof of Christ’s Church Hall, Oxford, are finished
in a similar style, and have been perfectly preserved.
f A question has been raised as to the quality of the timber in this roof; some persons who
examined it during the repairs having stated that it was oab, while others affirm it to be of chestnut.
There is great difficulty in distinguishing these species of timber after they have been long in use;
especially where oak imported from the Continent has been employed, as such timber has generally a
finer grain than our English oak, whieh is distinguished by its superior strength and toughness.
41
of the building has been determined by tbese badges; for, before tbey had been
observed, it was generally ascribed to an earlier period.
No. 3. Tbese tbree enlarged sections of tbe mouldings correspond to tbe
letters a, b, and c, marked on tbe elevation.
No. 4. The base and capital of one of tbe small columns in tbe jambs are
bere given at large, with tbe dimensions of tbeir parts in figures.
This door-case nearly corresponds in general style with one in the episcopal
palace at Lincoln, on which are the arms of Bishop Wm. Alnwick, who died
a.d. 1449. [See " Specimens,” Vol. I. p. 8, Pl. XXXIX.] It bas also been
compared with a door on tbe north side of tbe hall at Hampton Court, leading
to tbe Great Chamber ; but tbere tbe arcb is more flattened at tbe top than in
tbis of Eltbam. [See “ Specimens,” Vol. II. p. 7, Pl. XI.]
Plate VII. — Pendent, &c. in the Roof of Eltham Hall.
In tbis Plate some details of parts bave been displayed on a large scale,
in order to complete tbe explanation of tbe roof. The section comprehends
the lower part of a truss, from tbe stone corbel on wbich it rests at the
bottom to tbe cross-beam above tbe arcb. The pendent is also shewn as it
appears in front; together witli sections of tbe different pieces that compose
tbe truss, and a plan sbewing tbe mouldings underneatb. The beauty of these
pendents bas been mucb injured by tbeir being stripped of the small pinnacles
and perforated tracery with wbicb the central pieces were originally encased.
All tbe pendents bave now lost tbese ornaments; but one retained tbem not
many years since, and their form is bere delineated in faint lines, to sbew how
tbey appeared when perfect.* In concluding the description of this sumptuous
example of ancient carpentry, it is gratifying to mention, that it has lately
been repaired at the expense of government, and tbereby saved from tbe
destruction witli wbicb it was threatened. f Yet we cannot help lamenting
* It is shewn in an interior view of Eltham Hall, in Vol. I. of “ Seleet Views of London and its
Environs,” published by Messrs. Storer and Greig, in 4to., 1804. See also Mr. Buckler’s curious
little volume, pp. 32, 78. The pendents in the roof of Christ’s Church Hall, Oxford, are finished
in a similar style, and have been perfectly preserved.
f A question has been raised as to the quality of the timber in this roof; some persons who
examined it during the repairs having stated that it was oab, while others affirm it to be of chestnut.
There is great difficulty in distinguishing these species of timber after they have been long in use;
especially where oak imported from the Continent has been employed, as such timber has generally a
finer grain than our English oak, whieh is distinguished by its superior strength and toughness.