him in a regiment going to the East Indies. A relation of this unworthy husband, Cecil Howard, then makes his appearance on the stage, and Isabel immediately perceives what a mistake she committed in uniting herself to the elder of the two. Here the conflicts which the passion of love may occasion in such a character are delineated with a powerful and masterly hand. They are blended,' observes the author, with all the higher attributes of her soul; and partly from a life of virtuous self-denial, and partly from a native keenness of moral sensibility, love has lost in her its selfish and personal character in the more noble quality of enthusiasm.' After long suffering, and struggling through the sickness of "hope deferred," the lovers at last hear of the death of the husband: - but Isabel has been long declining; and, when the happy Howard flies towards her with the grateful tidings that she may now be his, he finds that he is too late. • He rushed forwards with impatience. His eye darted fire, and his cheeks glowed with enthusiastic hope and expectation. He started back; Isabel lay a corpse before him.' The individual portions of this work are the best, and as a whole it is deficient. The composition is good, and the style is rich and animated: while the particular sentiments and opinions on life and manners, interspersed throughout the volumes, though occasionally singular, are liberal and just. ART. X. The History and Antiquities of the See and Cathedral Church of Norwich; illustrated with a Series of Engravings, of Views, Elevations, Plans, and Details of the Architecture of that Edifice including Biographical Anecdotes of the Bishops, and of other eminent Persons connected with the Church. By John Britton, F. S. A. Medium 4to. 21. 10s. Imperial 4to. 41. 4s. Crown folio, 61. 10s. Super Royal folio, 81. 16s. Longman and Co. ART. XI. The History and Antiquities of the Church of Winchester, &c. &c. By John Imperial 4to. 51. 5s. Longman and Co. See and Cathedral ART. XII. The History and Antiquities of the Metropolitical Church of York, &c. &c. By John Britton, F. S. A. Medium 4to. 31. 158. Imperial 4to. 61. 6s. Crown folio, Iol. Super Royal folio, 13 Guineas. Longman and Co. N reviewing the History and Antiquities of Salisbury Cathedral, (M. R. vol. lxxxvi. p. 169.) forming the first of the series of which the volumes now before us are a continuation, we spoke of the work in terms of considerable com commendation. We stated that it was the author's design to give a general history, and to illustrate the antiquities, of those very interesting structures which, from the magnificence of their plan and the exquisiteness of their execution, attract the admiration of beholders; and his well-digested information, judicious descriptions, and highly-wrought engravings, induced us to regard him as having executed that which he proposed with praiseworthy fidelity and appropriate elegance. Having furnished our readers with this introductory article, we deemed it unnecessary to notice the accounts of the other cathedrals in succession as they appeared; since we might thus be forced into a too frequent repetition of remarks and statements which had been previously advanced. As, however, the History and Antiquities of three Cathedrals are now published, we seem to have remained silent sufficiently long, and shall proceed to give some account of them. Respecting Mr. Britton's qualifications for impartiality in describing the several cathedrals, and the importance of the work as enabling the reader to judge for himself in deciding on their respective merits, the preface to the Account of the Cathedral of Norwich affords us these observations: • Unlike the local Ciceroni, and the provincial antiquary, who direct all their attention and admiration to a single edifice, and who thereby imperceptibly acquire an indiscriminating prejudice in favour of such a subject, it is the good fortune of the author of the present volume to have no predilection or partiality for any one cathedral; and to be actuated in his researches and descrip tions by the sole motive of ascertaining truth, of furnishing correct information, and conveying impartial opinions. It is a common, but weak practice, with persons connected with a particular cathedral, or even resident in one city, to be extravagantly partial to their own edifice, to speak of its beauties and grandeur in exaggerated terms, and to depreciate the more eminent features or magnitude of other rival churches. Thus the inhabitant of Lincoln contends that the minster of that city is much superior, finer, and more interesting than its northern rival at York; whilst the inhabitant of the latter city cannot recognize or admit any degree of equality. To him York minster is pre-eminent, and he is quite offended with the impartial antiquary who sees and points out excellences in each; who perceives vastness in the church of York, variety in that of Lincoln; who sees loftiness, occasional richness, and space in the former; and solidity, picturesque diversity, numerous elegancies, and various interesting appendages to the latter. Each has its merits and defects; each has beauties not possessed by the other; and each has excellencies of architecture and sculpture, which are unparalleled in its rival. By accurate plans, elevations, and views of the two, we shall hereafter be better enabled to appreciate and understand both; and from such only can a just estimate be formed.' U 4 In In the volume devoted to Norwich Cathedral, chap. i. contains an account of the kingdom and bishopric of EastAnglia, and of the latter being successively fixed at Dunwich, North-Elmham, and Thetford; with brief notices of the bishops of those sees, down to the year 1091. Chap. ii. gives historical notices concerning the removal of the See; the foundation and building of the new Cathedral, and the state of Norwich at that time; also the animosity between the Jews and Monks, the burning of the church and monastery, and other events connected with the See and church. In chap. iii. we have a description of the form, arrangement, and construction of the Cathedral, of its exterior and interior style of design and ornaments, and of the various portions of the edifice with reference to the accompanying prints. Chap. iv. is occupied by biographical anecdotes of bishops of Norwich, and of other persons connected with its church.In the Appendix is a chronological table of the ages and styles of different parts of the church, and contiguous buildings; a chronological list of the bishops of the See, of contemporary kings and popes, and of the priors and deans: followed by an Index to the volume, and a list of books, essays, and prints that have been published relating to Norwich cathedral, and of the engraved portraits of its bishops. This volume contains 25 engravings, representing groundplans, sections, elevations, and perspective views of the cathedral in various directions, architectural details, antient tombs, and Erpingham and St. Ethelbert's gates. The general character of the cathedral is thus delineated by Mr. Britton : As an object of architectural antiquity, the Cathedral Church of Norwich is peculiarly interesting; for it comprises in its different members many curious specimens of architecture, and some forms and features of unique character. Compared with many other cathedrals, it is however small in size and meagre in embellishment. Its transepts are narrow; the ailes of the nave are small and low; the east end and north side are dilapidated and ragged; almost the whole surface of the building presents a ruinous appearance; the north side of the nave is obscured and darkened by a mass of trees in the bishop's garden; some houses are attached to and obscure the face at the south-west end; and at the east side of the south transept are other extraneous and unpleasant appendages. All these are defects that not only detract from the beauty and character of the church, but some of them are injurious to its stability. Besides, these encroachments render it impossible to see the whole cathedral, or the greater part, from any one station. Although it is the duty of the impartial historian to point out these defects, and to regret that they should exist at the present day, he more gladly directs his mind and pen to beau ties ties and merits. In the semicircular, or altar-end of the church, as viewed from the choir, there is an union of solidity and elegance which cannot fail to delight the spectator; and he will view the lanthorn, under the tower, with pleasure. The whole vaulting of the church is finely executed; and the bosses, at the intersection of the ribs, contain a vast variety of curious sculpture. The nave presents an interesting series of semicircular arches, with corresponding piers, columns, and ornaments: and although narrow and long in its proportions, is impressive and grand. In the cloister, the antiquary and general observer will find much to excite curiosity and admiration. The lavatories, door-ways, windows, and buttresses, with their clustered columns, are all entitled to critical examination; and will amply reward that by the gratification they must afford. The Erpingham gate-house, however, is the most elegant and most curious architectural object connected with this church. Unique in origin, form, decoration, and condition, it commands admiration.' Of the volume allotted to the Cathedral of Winchester, the author says in the preface: Intimately connected as the diocese of Winchester has been with the history and progress of Christianity in England; with the contentions between the episcopal and monarchial supremacy, I have been seduced into a more extended review of those subjects than will, perhaps, be agreeable to the general reader : but I could not with propriety neglect to notice them, nor yet contract my comments within a smaller compass. On these points I have most scrupulously endeavoured to be candid and strictly impartial; detailing the opinions of those writers who appear to be most deserving of credit, and occasionally, but rarely, submitting my own. Aware that the civil and ecclesiastical history of Winchester has been amply and learnedly developed by its local historian, and that, from the religious opinions entertained by the writer, much warm, and rather acrimonious, controversy has been produced; my endeavour has been to avoid the intemperate zeal of both parties. History, antiquity, art, and matter of fact, are the objects of the present work; not theory, opinion, or romance: these are fleeting and transitory; may be esteemed to-day, but despised to-morrow: whilst those are lasting: at once affording a gratifying reward to investigation, and permanent satisfaction to the mind. With the same feelings and principles, I have eagerly endeavoured to elucidate the styles and dates of the different parts of Winchester Cathedral. If I have erred in opinion, in statement, or inference, I shall feel thankful for better information, or for friendly correction. Many points, I am willing to admit, are unsettled, and therefore liable to varied interpretations: but I suspect that many persons, with the best intentions, and with well informed minds, are too prone to yield to the seductions of theory and prepossession. Though much has been written and published on this subject, I am persuaded that much more remains to be done; done; and that we shall never elicit the whole truth, nor come to the arcana of antiquarian science, but by diligent and fastidious investigation. To elucidate all the nice varieties and gradations of architecture, we must be furnished with the most accurate elevations, sections, and details of ancient buildings; and at length we have a few artists capable of rendering us this invaluable service.' Chap. i. gives an account of the first establishment of Christianity in Britain; an inquiry into the reality and sovereignty of Lucius; the establishment of a See at Winchester; the extent and influence of its dominion; the history of the foundation, and successive alterations of the Cathedral, through the dynasty of the kings of the West Saxons to the period of the Norman conquest. The remaining chapters are occupied as in the preceding volume, and the whole is illustrated by thirty engravings. The general description of the church is thus given : α The Cathedral Church of Winchester has been called ' school of ecclesiastical architecture,' and with some degree of propriety for as a school is intended to instruct novices in any branch of art or science, so this edifice is calculated to display to the student an interesting and varied series of examples of the ancient architecture of England, from an early age up to a recent period. Here therefore he may study styles, dates, and those varieties which peculiarly belong to the sacred buildings of the middle ages. He will also find, in this edifice, some very interesting examples of construction, in the walls, vaulting, and other parts of the masonry and carpentry: all of which are as essential to the scientific architect as the art of designing and planning a building. If we fail to satisfy ourselves as to Roman remains, or genuine Saxon work-if, after a careful examination, we retire either doubtful, or persuaded there is no such architecture, still we shall have ample evidence and examples of Norman works. The plans and magnificent designs of those proud invaders, and innovators, are amply set forth in this fabric. We see that they built for themselves and for posterity; that their edifices were solid and substantial; simple in their forms, and large in their parts: that as their religion was intended to awe, terrify, and soothe the mind, so its primary temple was calculated most essentially to promote these ends. Vieing with Gundulph, and other Norman prelates, Walkelyn seems to have designed his Cathedral on a scale of grandeur to equal, or surpass, all the others in the island; and although we are not informed by what means he carried his designs into effect, we are assured that he raised nearly the whole of the Church in his lifetime. A large portion of his work is now standing; but much of it has been altered, and more is obscured. --- From what has been already related, it appears that not only a Church, but the necessary offices for a prior and monks, were erected by the first Norman bishop. Nearly every architectural member |