people tripping over the low step, which is more dangerous than a step of the usual height. Mr. Parker, in reply to a remark of the president respecting the metal-work of an early period, like Alfred's jewel in this museum, observed that metal-work was generally in advance of stone sculpture, and that a half-civilised people are often very skilful workers in metal. He also mentioned Mr. Skidmore's theory, that the conventional foliage of the transitional period was copied from the gold ornaments used in the wooden churches of the Saxons, many of which may have been preserved to that period. With reference to this museum, he took the opportunity of calling attention to the Arundel marbles, now kept in a room belonging to the Bodleian Library, where nobody sees them. Amongst them are the foundation-stones, with inscriptions, of Deerhurst church, in Gloucestershire, founded by Duke Odda in 1053, and of Rewley abbey, in Oxford, founded by Ela Longespée, Countess of Salisbury, about 1230. These objects ought to form part of an historical museum. The president then adjourned the meeting. Second Meeting, Michaelmas term, Nov. 21, the Rev. Dr. Plumptre in the chair. The following gentlemen were elected members of the Society : Rev. Dr. Wellesley, Principal of New Inn Hall. Rev. A. P. Stanley, Regius Professor of Ecclesiastical History. Goldwin Smith, Esq., M.A., Professor of Modern History. Rev. G. Ridding, M.A., Exeter College. Rev. C. W. Boase, M.A., Fellow of Exeter College. Rev. G. M. Bullock, M.A., Fellow of S. John's College. Montagu E. Burrows, M.A., Magdalen Hall. C. E. Hammond, Esq., Fellow of Exeter College. Viscount Newry, Christ Church. Charles Appleton, Esq., S. John's College. John Langdon Fulford, Esq., S. Mary Hall. T. E. Hawes, Esq., Abingdon. Henry St. John Reade, Esq., University College. J. Scott, Esq., Pembroke College. The president, while these names were being balloted for, read extracts from the following letters, which had been received by the committee-From the Rev. H. W. B. Churton, asking for information on Manor Chancels. From the Rev. C. A. Griffith, giving an account of an ancient mural painting in distemper on the walls of the church at Berwick S. John. From the Rev. J. Cross, asking for information respecting the stained glass of Capronnier of Brussels, a specimen of which may be seen in Doncaster church. From the Rev. E. R. Hutton, referring to the fact that heraldry was, as well as architecture and history, a subject to which the Society should give its attention, as the two societies, the Heraldic and Architectural, were some years ago united; and, secondly, hoping that the Society would find means to put itself into communication with some of the numerous literary and scientific institutes, &c., which had been set on foot in the adjoining counties. He thought that many would be glad to receive the reports Mr. Parker on the Progress of Mediaval Architecture. 53 of the Society's proceedings, and also, probably, be willing to furnish accounts of discoveries of archæological interest in their immediate neighbourhood. The names to supply those of the five outgoing members of committee were read, and also the names of those gentlemen who wish to join the Society, to be balloted for at the next meeting. Mr. J. H. Parker then delivered his lecture, "On the Comparative Progress of Architecture in England and France during the Middle Ages, with especial reference to the History of the Times." Mr. Parker began at the year 1000, and quoted a passage from the contemporary chronicle of Radulphus Glaber, that "from the number of new buildings being erected in 1003, the world appeared to be putting on a new white robe." He also referred to the treatise of King Canute for the safe conduct of English travellers, who, in their more extended and often varied journeys to Rome, had better opportunities of seeing and knowing what was going on than the inhabitants of any province of France; and to this he attributed the greater perfection of English Gothic. The changes are so gradual as to be almost imperceptible; and although advantage was taken of any improvement in foreign countries, they were so assimilated to the English style, that no violent change or hiatus is anywhere perceptible. The friendly intercourse of the people of England and France had far more to do with this progress than any change of government; but those provinces of France with which we had the most intercourse naturally had the greatest influence upon our own architecture. In the first half of the eleventh century our style is distinct from anything in France, and is possibly Danish. In the time of Edward the Confessor the Norman style was introduced, and there is no difference then between Normandy and England; the early work at Westminster is just as forward as the work of the same time at Caen, and this continues to be the case until the middle of the twelfth century. During the great period of transition, the whole of the western provinces of France were part of the English dominions, and there was consequently great intercourse between the people of those provinces and England, and their architecture had more influence upon ours than that of any other part of France. The buildings of Anjou, Poitou, Maine, and Touraine, were in advance of any others at that time, and had a mixture of the Byzantine element derived from Perigord. He said that bar-tracery was used simultaneously in the Sancte Chapelle at Paris, at Rheims, and in the chapter-house at Westminster, in 1245. Ornamental foliage was copied from nature about the end of the thirteenth century, in both countries. The mouldings are always far more numerous in the English buildings. After the beginning of the fifteenth century, the styles entirely diverge from each other. The French Flamboyant and the English Perpendicular are, at first sight, totally different, but have many features in common; the shallowness and poverty of the details in both are signs of approaching decay. Throughout the whole period the race was so nearly even, that it is often difficult to say which had the priority. In the course of the lecture he laid special stress upon the necessity of taking the history of the country into account, and remembering that France was not, as now, one country, but composed of separate provinces, constantly changing and constantly influenced by external political events, and each having, therefore, its distinct architectural character. The president, in thanking Mr. Parker, referred to instances where French architects had been brought over into England. He also called attention to what he considered to be one of the earliest churches existing in this country, namely, the church of Dover, which he was glad to say the Government had ordered to be put into repair, but the original work to be scrupulously preserved; and that it was now in Mr. Scott's hands. Mr. Urquhart, of Balliol, wished that more reference had been made to Scotland. He thought that the architecture of this part of Britain was more immediately connected with that of France than with the architecture of England. He referred especially to the Flamboyant style, which was common to France and Scotland, but wanting in England. He, however, admitted that the chapter-house of Elgin cathedral was similar to that of Wells and others, and of a type not found in France. He also referred to the prevalence of the tooth-ornament, but the absence of the ball-flower ornament, in Scotland. Mr. Parker thought the comparison of the architecture of Scotland with that of England and of France, from both of which it differed in many points, quite worthy of being studied, and he hoped that the Society would be favoured with some observations upon it; but it would have been too wide a field for him to have introduced it into his lecture that evening. After some observations from the Rev. J. W. Burgon and the Rev. H. J. Rose, the meeting was adjourned. CAMBRIDGE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. THE third meeting for the Michaelmas Term was held on Thursday, November 29, 1860, in the Philosophical Society's rooms; the Rev. H. R. Luard, Trinity College, in the chair. The following gentlemen were elected members : Rev. J. Glover, M.A., Trinity College. The Rev. G. Williams then gave a very interesting account of some of his Ecclesiological discoveries in Georgia. The churches which he dwelt chiefly upon were those of Timothesmana and Daba. The former of these is a small cross church, with aisles and apsidal chancel, with north and south chapels. Daba is a small chapel, terminated in an apse. Both of these have many peculiarities, which he dwelt on at some length; and also noted the singular preservation they are in, notwithstanding the severe climate of the country. These churches are both situated in very remote parts, seldom visited by travellers, and no account has hitherto been issued of them. Mr. Williams's paper was illustrated by drawings, kindly furnished by the Rev. W. F. Witts, of King's College, from sketches taken on the spot, and by Mr. Fawcett, Jesus College, taken from Mr. Williams's notes. Mr. Williams hopes to give further accounts of his discoveries to the Cambridge Architectural Society. The Rev. H. R. Luard, after thanking Mr. Williams for his paper, alluded to the Motett Choir which it was hoped to form in the University for the study of church music. He said that many members of the Cambridge Architectural Society took a great interest in the matter, and therefore they had arranged to discuss the matter at their meeting. Mr. Fawcett, Mr. Williams, and several others spoke on the subject, stating how they thought the choir could best be formed; and it was agreed to refer the matter to a committee then formed, who should investigate the matter of expense, draw up rules, and make some definite arrangements, to be laid before the next meeting of the Cambridge Architectural Society. The meeting then adjourned. ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY OF THE ARCHDEACONRY OF NORTHAMPTON. A COMMITTEE Meeting was held at the society's room on Monday, December 10, 1860, E. Thornton, Esq., in the chair. The minutes of the last meeting having been read, the Rev. J. Orger, Rector of Cranford, and the Rev. C. F. Porter, Raunds, were elected members. The following books were presented: October number of East Anglian, by Suffolk Archæological Society; No. 66 of Archæological Journal, in continuation, by Rev. W. Thornton. Purchased: Hewitt's Ancient Armour, 3 vols.; Shaw's Ornamental Pavements; Treasury of Ornamental Art. Wyatt's Ancient Metal Work was exhibited. Various designs for additions to churches in Leicestershire and elsewhere, exhibited by Mr. D. E. Gillett; also, plans for a new school, already erected at Paulerspury, by Rev. H. J. Barton. Mr. Pulley's design for cottages, as approved at the last meeting, was shown, as carried out in stone. The London Cottage Improvement Society are on the eve of putting forth ten revised designs for cottages of various accommodation, which will be in the possession of the Northampton Society before the next committee meeting. It was decided to hold the Spring Meeting for 1861 at Thrapston, and to make excursions therefrom. W. B. Stopford, Esq., the Revs. N. F. Lightfoot, and C. Smyth, were requested to act as a sub-committee to make arrangements. Impressions of the new book plate of the society were shown and, with some alterations, approved. The secretary stated that Mr. Ready, of the British Museum, was engaged in preparing for the society casts of all the known corporate seals of the Archdeaconry, amounting to some hundreds, and for which the committee had given him a commission; also, for other seals of artistic and architectural interest. Letters were read from the secretary of the Arundel Society, agreeing to lend a copy of that society's publications for exhibition at the Thrapston meeting; also from Mr. G. G. Scott, and Rev. E. Terrott, and Miss A. Blencowe. The secretary stated he had received a communication from the Hon. T. Powys, relative to the establishment of a Natural History Society in this county. It was advised, that, if possible, the society should be put in connection with the Town Museum, on the same terms on which it is hoped the Architectural Society may be placed. A discussion ensued on the advantage of connecting the society with the proposed museum, reserving the rights of members. Mr. Elliott brought forward a communication as to the establishment of an art-school in the town. The committee were disposed to entertain the question, when it came before them in a more definite form. This might also be aided by the new museum. The secretary reported the success of the Leicester Architectural soirée of December 3, and that he had met the secretaries of the Archæological Institute at Peterborough, on the subject of the meeting to be held there the end of July, 1861. The progress of the works at S. Sepulchre's was reported satisfactory, and thither part of the members went to view them on the adjournment of the meeting. Though the society has ceased to make grants towards churches, £10 was voted to S. Sepulchre's on the ground of an old promise. NEW CHURCHES. S. Peter, Vauxhall.-This important church, by Mr. J. L. Pearson, will require a personal visit when it is further advanced. In the meanwhile we notice it from the drawings. The plan shows a nave of five bays, 76 ft. 4 in. long, with an internal western narthex, and aisles extending to the west end of the narthex. The western end of the south aisle forms a baptistery. The chancel has an apsidal sanctuary, semicircular in plan, with an aisle on the south side; while on the opposite side there is a kind of enlarged transept, of two transverse aisles (one opening to the chancel, and the other to the nave.) In the angle between this transept and the north aisle stands the tower; and a vestry, with an organ chamber over it, adjoins this north transept on its east side. The chancel is 42 ft. 6 in. in length by 22 ft., and the total breadth of the nave and aisles is 49 ft. 6 in. The style is early Geometric Pointed, very highly enriched; and the material is brick, |