DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.32038#0079
THE BISHOP’S PALACE, WELLS.
47
the hall.* The external form of this window is remarkably simple, consisting
merely of three perforations, chamfered round the edges. The inside is more
enriched, and has two small columns and a moulded arch, finished by sculptured
busts. The lower part of the window, on the inside, has probably been cut
down in some modern alteration: a seat formed of stone, is commonly found
under such ancient examples of domestic windows as remain entire. The orna-
mental details are very neat, and shew the style prevalent about the middle of
the thirteenth century.
Plate VI. Cliimney-Piece in the Palace, Wells.
The style of this chimney-piece refers it to the latest period of Gothic archi-
tecture, although it is pure from any admixture of Italian ornaments, which
were introduced in the reign of Henry VIII. It was probably the work of
Bishop Oliver King, who sat from the year 1496 to 1503, and who rebuilt the
abbey church of Bath in a magnificent style, but died before its completion.
The running patterns of foliage and fruit, which are carved on the arch and the
cornice, are extremely rich; and the octagonal piers on each side produce a
very good effect.
PLATE 59—60.
Plate I. Conduit for Water, Bishop’s Palace, Wells.
This little structure is externally of a quadrangular form, and the quoins are
guarded by four buttresses projecting diagonally from the walls. The inside is
circular, and has a round cistern in the middle of the floor for containing water.
The roof is vaulted, and rises pyramidically at the top, which is finished by a
small embattled turret, with the figure of a lion, or some other animal, seated
upon it. The plate gives an elevation of one side, and a section taken through
the centre. From the style of the windows and mouldings, we may attribute
the erection of this conduit to Bishop Beckington, who supplied the palace with
water, as William of Worcestre tells us,f and who also built a beautiful conduit
in the market-place at Wells.
* On the ground-floor of the palace is a spacious room, of the architecture of the same age. It
has a vaulted roof, supported by a row of columns in the middle. The present bishop has repaired
this apartment, and furnished it with specimens of mineralogy, fossils, &c. In the same room are
also a carved chair, a bedstead, and some other pieces of ancient furniture, which are said to have
been brought from Glastonbury Abbey. f Itin. p. 287.
47
the hall.* The external form of this window is remarkably simple, consisting
merely of three perforations, chamfered round the edges. The inside is more
enriched, and has two small columns and a moulded arch, finished by sculptured
busts. The lower part of the window, on the inside, has probably been cut
down in some modern alteration: a seat formed of stone, is commonly found
under such ancient examples of domestic windows as remain entire. The orna-
mental details are very neat, and shew the style prevalent about the middle of
the thirteenth century.
Plate VI. Cliimney-Piece in the Palace, Wells.
The style of this chimney-piece refers it to the latest period of Gothic archi-
tecture, although it is pure from any admixture of Italian ornaments, which
were introduced in the reign of Henry VIII. It was probably the work of
Bishop Oliver King, who sat from the year 1496 to 1503, and who rebuilt the
abbey church of Bath in a magnificent style, but died before its completion.
The running patterns of foliage and fruit, which are carved on the arch and the
cornice, are extremely rich; and the octagonal piers on each side produce a
very good effect.
PLATE 59—60.
Plate I. Conduit for Water, Bishop’s Palace, Wells.
This little structure is externally of a quadrangular form, and the quoins are
guarded by four buttresses projecting diagonally from the walls. The inside is
circular, and has a round cistern in the middle of the floor for containing water.
The roof is vaulted, and rises pyramidically at the top, which is finished by a
small embattled turret, with the figure of a lion, or some other animal, seated
upon it. The plate gives an elevation of one side, and a section taken through
the centre. From the style of the windows and mouldings, we may attribute
the erection of this conduit to Bishop Beckington, who supplied the palace with
water, as William of Worcestre tells us,f and who also built a beautiful conduit
in the market-place at Wells.
* On the ground-floor of the palace is a spacious room, of the architecture of the same age. It
has a vaulted roof, supported by a row of columns in the middle. The present bishop has repaired
this apartment, and furnished it with specimens of mineralogy, fossils, &c. In the same room are
also a carved chair, a bedstead, and some other pieces of ancient furniture, which are said to have
been brought from Glastonbury Abbey. f Itin. p. 287.