readily be perceived that the effect of the scene is well adapted to carry on the interest already entertained for the main construction. Materials, to the Crypt, brick walls and piers, the dressings stone: above, the whole elevation is stone work. It might be thought these particulars of the Crypt might have preceded that portion of the edifice already submitted to notice; but opportunity did not afford the means until this very hour.

Vanbrugh, thy honours I now trust will henceforth remain undisturbed, as well as the walls thou hast raised are calculated (with common necessary repairs) to last Time's tablets of possibility, Farewell good spirit, our theme is done!

Having brought forward such ample documents to guide us through this reign, selected from the most authentic sources, it becomes necessary to present a general epitome of the collection. when all centered, and, in in a manner ceased, in the Vanbrughian school. Thus horizontal rustics, without perpendicular ditte, plain or triple key stones, ditto with masque heads, strings, kneed architraves, plain friezes, plain or block, and scroll cornices, balusters, general independent scrolls, ditto inverted, festoons of flowers and drapery, guiderons, foliage, compartments, golloches, vases, land and sea monsters, flying cupids, and all the visionary catalogue of Gods and Goddesses, which have so long ruled the hemisphere of sculptural labours, to the almost total subversion of true costume and national instruction. As the account has been so recently closed with Sir John's Works, little more need be observed; but every particular constituting their chief features were vast, new, and surprising, even from the masked temple chimney expedients, the castle manifestations, or the display of attics in porticos, saloons, forums, and basilicæ, unrestrained by any subservient rules or proportions; direct application being out of the question, either of the Roman or Grecian masters.

(Progress of Architecture in the Reign of George I. in our next.)

Again the warning voice sounds in our ears, "The Abbots Inn at Glastonbury is at last to fall." For some years this fatal hour has beeu put off (see Vol. LXXXII. Part II. p. 540), though the hands holding its des

tiny were bound by a second-sight apprehension to refrain the fearful operation, or other cause, or still giving way to the humble solicitations of some feeling Antiquary, to preserve and save so much of delightful Architecture, expressive of the domestic skill of our ancestors, there being but few traits of such Works left among us. Surely this cry cannot be credited? a mere delusion!

It must be owned, however, that by long experience we find many possessors of Antiquities, when ruminating on their overthrow, either to gain a trifting view of further purchased land, a good look out East and West, through some low inhabited thoroughfare, or from a persuasion. that new premises, built on the scite of the old, will let better, take time, to consider before they strike the blow, which never can be recalled.

It becomes a question, who are those that in this day are so intent on mock imitations of our old Works, that neither the persuasion of friends, orridicule of the publick, can withhold them from plunging into the pursuit, expending at the same time princely fortunes on the futile undertakings; and those, maugre the prayers and intreaties of students versed in historic lore, mark their devastating track, by tearing down and levelling with the earth those family mansions, princely structures, or ecclesiastical piles, owning the taste of departed ninds, and which are now consigned to their dominion?

Could we enumerate a list of the personages so engaged (as readily as set down an Antiquarian Prospectus of names ever zealous to further the wishes of imploring Artists and distant friends), what a memorandum to gaze upon, to extol? surely noto condemu? yes, beyond all doub!— and cast from us the roll of perverted taste and heedless dilapidation? hesttate not, judgment is easily entered upon.-Here notice on this head terminates. AN ARCHITECT

Mr. URBAN,

Jan. 1. illustrate the engraved plate

Magazine, I offer a few remarks upon the origin and use of Towers, from the period when their utility was alone considered, to that when they became ornamental; and when, with out their addition to the fabrick, a design was not considered complete, and certainly till then could not be conspicuously grand, graceful, or prominent. And in tracing this feature of a building from its first invention, it may not be improper to observe generally of all others, whether those accessary to the effect of the whole or essential to utility, that each admits the same scope for scrupulous examination, and affords equal entertain ment and gratification to those who are curious in the study of Antiquity, whether the object chosen be from the narrow to the expanded Window, flat to prominent Buttresses, massy to light Walls, Doors to Porches, single to cross Ailes, or rude sculp ture to the refined execution of later ages; and, lastly, of Fonts, the remole Antiquity of which, and removal first, from the cemetery to the porch, from thence to various parts in the body of the church, till, finally, they had their situation towards the Western extremity of the nave, on the North side, and were so placed as to avoid interference with the processious consistent with former modes of worship. But to return to the particular object under present consideration, and to enumerate a few examples of various buildings raised at different periods, in illustration of our remarks, it is necessary to state (though a thing well known), that on the earliest buildings raised for the service of Religion, in a regular though rude order of Architecture, promulgated by our Saxon ancestors, no more labour was expended than was consistent with safety, utility, and convenience they were neither extensive nor enriched, because the science of building on a regular plan, and with stone, was then but in its infancy: these increased as such works flourished, and with their advance were Towers added to the structures to complete their grandeur. A Tower is the only portion of a building (in this particular style) which can admit GENT. MAG. January, 1817.

viewed as a design or in the group. In our Ecclesiastical Architecture there are no fixed rules for proportion, more than for ornament; a foot added, or a foot taken away (comparatively speaking), would not destroy the appearance so much here as in the Grecian Architecture, where a portico, a pediment, or a column require to be raised to fixed rules. This is fully exemplified by the proportions of no two buildings being found to correspond: some are more spacious, others more lofty, and these plain or enriched, as best suited the wealth of the town or neighbourhood; yet each claim our admiration, and all receive our appro bation when viewed, for their justness of proportions, their simplicity and grandeur, their richness and magnifi cence. But it is not so with a Porch: this must be in proportion to the building; both height and width are by this fixed: the extent will also accord with these proportions. By the same rule Transepts are also regu lated; the height, length, and width will be found to agree, except only where some manifest cause obliges it to be otherwise, and of this only one example occurs to my memory, viz. the South Transept of Chester Cathedral, built as a Parish Church, independent of the Cathedral. It so far exceeds the dimensions which ought to be maintained between these great portions of a Church, that the Nave and Choir appear, in comparison, mean and diminutive.

Saxon Towers were never lofty; on the contrary usually so low as to add very little to the effect of the building. They frequently consisted of one story, sometimes of two, and there are not wanting examples of three; but the united elevation of these in the latest and most improved works, bear no proportion to the Towers whichsucceeded with the Pointed style. In sonie of the latest Norman structures, about the period when that venerable Architecture was fast declining to the superior elegance and beauty of the Pointed, there are indeed to be found many noble Towers; but either the style would not admit the superior embellishment of pinnacles and other prominent ornaments, by which alone

heavi.

heaviness could be reduced, and additional height gained, or (what is probable) they were replaced by others of a new invention. Of the several kinds may be named Winchester, Ripon, Yeofley near Oxford, Stewkley, Radford Abbey, Wimborne Minster, Old and New Shoreham, Sussex, St. John's Church at Devizes, Southwell, Exeter, Norwich.

This is sufficient for our present purpose. With few observations we may mention some of the most magnificent Towers which grace and give grandeur to the works which succeeded those more antient, and of a different character, of which we have been speaking. Among those conspicuously elegant in the Pointed style are, Caerdiff, York, Boston,

Taunton, St. Cuthbert's at Wells, North Petherton, Derby, and Magdalen College Tower at Oxford. Of this selection it would be difficult to name one as demanding greater admiration than another, or possessing the best proportions, the most chaste enrichments, or the most scientific arrangement of these characters; each has its peculiar beauties, and each is admired either for its simplicity, its richness, or its loftiness.

The Frontispiece to your Volume represents the last-named of these noble appendages to our antient and venerable buildings; and has, for no particular reason, been selected on this occasion, though perhaps for every character which marks the hand of science and ability, and which can render such a Work deserving admiration, it is little inferior to any in the country. Its four first stories of unequal dimensions (they increasing in height as they rise from the base); have each a small window. Upon thisis raised the principal story, every side having two elegant windows, being surrounded with an enriched parapet of quatrefoils, between cornices, with various grotesque figures and ornaments; and over this, perforated battlements. The angles are crowned with octagonal turrets rising from the ground, and terminating above the battlements in a pinnacle. A small square turret and pinnacle also rise from the base of the windows in this story in the centre of the sides, having towards the upper part a niche and figure in each. This Tower is situated near the Eastern extremity of the

South front of Magdalen College, in the High Street, and is the first grand object seen on entering from the London road. No other building comes into view at this point, and the beautiful bend which gradually opens upon the sight the other noble features composing this unrivalled street, admits of uninterrupted contemplation and admiration of every object by itself: and the rich tinted foliage of a large group of massy elm trees, forcibly contrasts with the glowing yellow masonry of Magdalen College, forming a scene which, for beauty, variety, and grandeur, cannot be exceeded. I. C. B.

Mr. URBAN, Essex-street, Jan. 5. few lines in reply to the observaREQUEST your indulgence for a

tions of Lord Thurlow in your Magazine for December. I have not the least doubt of his Lordship's veracity and honour, and that he has truly stated his firm persuasion that his late learned and noble relative never gave an opinion in favour of Dr. Priestley in his celebrated controversy with Bp. Horsley. I dare say, that for any thing his Lordship knows of the matter, the late Lord Thurlow never held that opinion, and never expressed it. I can, however, assure his Lordship, that, whether he believes it or not, I have received, upon undoubted authority, the anecdote which he controverts. And I am the more inclined to believe it, as I have no doubt, upon grounds stated in my "Claims of Dr. Priestley," and re-stated in the Gentleman's Magazine, that Bp. Horsley himself was of the same opinion; and that, in the words which Bp. Burgess has so often done me the honour to quote, "the Learned Prelate himself would be the first to laugh to scorn the solemn ignoramus who could seriously maintain that the advantage of the argument rested with him."

I perfectly agree with Lord Thurlow, that his Noble Relative had a very high and a just opinion of the learning and talents of Bp. Horsley, and that they had a great respect and friendship for each other. I believe that they perfectly understood one another; and I have no doubt that in their social hours they often amused themselves with laughing at the folly of mankind.

Yours, &c.

T. BELSHAM.

Mr.

Mr. URBAN, Dec. 28, 1816. TN the History of English Architecture there are three remarkable periods which have been distinguished by a wanton demolition of Religious Edifices. The dawnings of Science and Literature were buried in the overwhelming ruin which marked the progress of the Pagan invaders of the 9th and 10th centuries. The destructive barbarism was renewed under the auspices of the Tudors; and a similar spirit of devastation in Auenced the gloomy fanaticks during the Great Rebellion.

A very opposite sentiment characterizes the present age; and even those who are most inimical to the Ecclesiastical Hierarchy, and who look with a jealous eye upon the wealth and influence of the Priesthood, regard with some degree of complacency those venerable structures which form a striking character in every country blessed with the light of Science and of Christianity. Those who would abolish the solemn splendour of our antient mode of worship, would be inclined to spare the sacred edifices where the chant and the anthem have echoed for a thousand years, and would share in that local pride, which esteems them as the noblest ornaments of their respective neighbourhoods. To those persons who have the happiness to be members of the Established Church, the admiration inspired by these venerable seats of the National Religion should be combined with a higher feeling.

The History and Antiquities of our Cathedral Churches are at present among the most favourite subjects for the pencil of the Artist, and for the pen of the Topographer; but while the minutest regard, and the warmest eulogiums are lavished upon the fabrick, the Historian frequently seems to forget the sacred purpose for which this holy magnificence was designed, as if the praise of the Architect alone were intended to resound within the hallowed walls. The numerical strength of the Choir is usually dismissed in a short sentence, as an object of far less importance than the columns or the stalls; and the celebration of Divine Service is passed over in silence, as a matter of perfect indifference.

I have it in contemplation, Mr. Erhan, to enter upon this neglected

portion of Cathedral History; and resigning to more competent judges all disquisitions upon Architectural beauties or deformities, and recording the superior Clergy so far only as they have been benefactors or otherwise to their respective Cathedrals, I shall confine my observations to those subjects which are immediately connected with the celebration of the Choral service; and in this brief sketch, the situation of the Children belonging to the several Choirs will be the first object of my inquiry.

In the present liberal and most enlightened age, a rivalry may be said to exist between the friends and the enemies of the National Church, which party shall be most active in the important cause of National Education. While so much anxiety and opposition have been displayed to obtain the superintendence and government of new Establishments, it cannot be uninteresting to inquire what course has been adopted in those antient Foundations, where the unlimited right of the dignified Clergy to

introduce their own most approved regulations has never been called in question; and where the doctrines and discipline of our Holy Religion may be inculcated without the hazard of opposition, or the fear of censure.

It may be scarcely necessary to premise that a School is maintained by every Cathedral in South Britain (with the exception, I believe, of Llandaff,) for the Boys who form a part of the Establishment. These Schools are coeval with the several Choirs; and though in some few instances it may be found that they have degenerated in public estimation, they cannot be annihilated so long as the present Establishment shall subsist; because the ministration of Children is indispensable for the performance of the Choral service. The pupils are admitted on these Foundations at seven or eight years of age; they assist in the celebration of Divine offices twice every day in surplices, and usually continue their attendance as Choris ters for eight or ten years. They are of necessity instructed in the science of Harmony, to qualify them for their duties in the Choir; and most of our celebrated Musical Professors, and many eminent characters who reflect honour upon diguified situations in the Church, have been indebted to

these

these Foundations for their early education.

Their beneficial effects might be extended with little expence or difficulty; and they are calculated, beyond all others, to inspire in the middle ranks of society an affectionate and grateful reverence for the formularies of the Episcopal Church, and for the honoured individuals who preside over it.

In some instances, however, the Choristers do not possess equal advantages; and I shall perhaps occupy a few pages in your succeeding Numbers, by pointing out the different systems pursued in these Schools under the exclusive patronage and direction of the Capitular Clergy, and by comparing the widely-varying results.

In arranging materials for this purpose, I have invariably made application to individuals officially connected with the several Cathedrals, in order to authenticate the information derived from more questionable sources. These inquiries have, with few excep tions, been honoured with a liberal and gentlemanly attention, for which, on some more proper occasion, I shall be happy to return my explicit acknowledgments. In those instances where this indulgence has not yet been granted, I have been compelled to avail myself of the most authentic information within my reach; and 1 shall esteem myself obliged by the correction of any error, or by the communication of any further parti. culars, either transmitted through the pages of the Gentleman's Magazine, or forwarded to me through the medium of your Printer. M. H.

(To be continued.)

Apartments of the Society of Antiquaries, Somerset Place, Mr. URBAN, London, Dec, 26,1816. Tin this Kingdont reflect the HE numerous endowed Schools highest honour on the memory of their charitable and pious Founders. But, as we have little intelligence respecting their internal establishment, and the proper mode of applying for admission for a child, and the requisites necessary to success, it has occurred to me, that a concise description of those benevolent Institutions might be useful to persons in general; as a clear explanation of their Ordinances may remove many difficulties

from au inquiring parent, and point out the several advantages of any particular seminary.

Under this impression I have drawn up a series of questions, which I beg leave to lay, with every degree of respect, before the publiek, through your Magazine. In this solicitation of geneneral attention, I wish it clearly to be understood, that I am actuated solely by the desire of promoting the public good, and that I shall esteem myself much honoured by the trouble which any Head Master, or any other Gentleman, may take in drawing up the history of the Schools in their respective counties, or for any information which they may please to communicate, to render this endeavour as accurate and useful as the importance of the subject requires. NICHOLAS CARLISLE, 1. When, and by whom, was this School founded?

2. What was the original Endowment, and what is the present amount of it?

3. Have any subsequent Endowments been made, and by whom? and to what amount?

4. Are these Endowments in land, or otherwise, and where situate?

5. A copy of the Statutes and Ordi

Bauces.

6. Is the School open to the Boys of your Town or Parish indefinitely, free of expence? or, is it limited to the relatives of particular persons? or, for a certain number of Scholars only? or, by place of nativity, or otherwise?

7. What number of Boys are admitted upon the Foundation? and how many others are usually educat ed at the School?

8. At what age are the Boys admitted, and how long may they remain without superannuation?

9. What is the form of admission, nate? and who are the persons that nomi

10. Which are the Latin and Greek Grammars in use? and what is the routine of education prescribed?

11. What are the number of Exhi bitions, Scholarships, or other University advantages, and the amount of each?

12. To what Colleges are such Boys usually sent ?

13. What is the Head- Master's name, and what is the amount of his Salary and Emoluments?