Part of the nave & transept Exeter Cathedral ([1819])

Storer, James. History and antiquities of the cathedral churches of Great Britain. Vol. II. London: Rivingtons; Murray; Hatchard; Clarke; Taylor; and Sherwood, Neely, and Jones. 1816. p. n.The roof of the nave is supported by clustered columns, the base of each having three courses of mouldings, and its capital being extremely simple. From these spring pointed arches; and, on the central pillars of the clusters, rises another tier of columns, resting on corbels, sculptured with various ornamental devices. The upper columns have enriched capitals, from which proceed the ribs of the groined roof. Immediately over the lower arches are recesses, embellished in front with slender pillars, sustaining small arches; and above these is an open parapet, forming the front of a gallery that extends from the west entirely along each side of the church to the east end, where it terminates. The gallery descends under the great west window, and also under the large window in each transept. The nature of this architectural design will be correctly perceived by a reference to our plate, (number 3) exhibiting part of the nave; and thence a comprehensive idea may be formed of the general character of the whole interior. The roof is vaulted with stone; and the groin-work, although not elaborate, has an air of considerable magnificence.The noble dimensions of the nave display, with most impressive sublimity, the blended simplicity and elegance of the architectural plan described in the preceding paragraph.* In this part of the building an exception from this prevalent uniformity requires notice. Projecting from the north wall, and supported by a cornice, is a fabric of stone, now termed the minstrels' gallery. The front is divided into twelve niches, each containing an angel, playing on a musical instrument. The windows of the nave are large, and the tracery of those on each side is dissimilar; but every window corresponds with that opposite. Many of these present ancient and fine specimens of painted glass. The great west window is filled with painted and stained glass, executed by Peckitt,ofYork, about the year 1766. In the basement divisions are the full-length figures of saints; that of St. Peter (after whom the church is now denominated) being in the centre. The transepts are formed by the lower compartments of the towers. The inner wall has been cut away to admit of a lofty pointed arch; and a spacious window, also of the pointed form, is inserted at the extremity of each transept. These works were, probably, performed by the architect of the nave; and the whole arrangement, of the transepts assimilates in character with the principal parts of the edifice.*The beauty of the nave is at present much injured by a high and cumbrous range of seats, but we have the satisfaction of observing, that the whole are on the point of removal, an order having been made in chapter to that effect. These former incumbrances of the nave are. accordingly, omitted in our view of the interior.[Text may be taken from a different source or edition than that listed as the source by Somers Cocks.]

Copper l.engr

98x90mm

S57. STORER, James: HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE CATHEDRAL CHURCHES OF GREAT BRITAIN.