قراءة كتاب Views of St. Paul's Cathedral, London
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itself with its graceful pillars, its lofty pediment surmounted by colossal figures of the Apostles, is a very pleasing composition. Perhaps this particular campanile is seen to the best advantage as it is approached from Cannon Street on a summer’s evening. The effect of the light of the westering sun is singularly charming.
It should have been mentioned in the previous note, had space permitted, that the Choir was opened for Divine Service on December 2, 1697, on the Thanksgiving Day for the Peace after the Treaty of Ryswick; the Morning Prayer Chapel being opened a little later.
THE WESTERN END OF THE NAVE.
This portion of the Cathedral is of especial dignity. The great height of the entrance arch, the massive doors, the noble space, the fine view north and south of the lateral Chapels, with their carved oak screens, the broad span of the side arches, the height of the vaulting and its careful decoration, combine to make this entrance of the Cathedral very imposing. If the visitor enters by the great western doors, he cannot fail to be impressed by the grand view which presents itself, the fine Nave, the broad Transepts, the lofty Reredos, more than 400 feet distant; and, as he paces eastward, at every step some fresh beauty reveals itself. Most impressive of all it is to see, on the occasion of some great festival, the vast spaces of Choir, Transepts, Dome area, and Nave crowded with worshippers, every seat occupied, and hundreds of people filling such standing room as remains. In one of the Annual Musical Services a short pause is made for silent prayer, and the stillness of the great multitude, after the strains of Bach’s immortal Passion Music, is wonderfully solemn.
THE NORTH-WEST CHAPEL.
At the western end of the North Aisle of the Nave is a spacious Chapel, used every day for the celebration of the Holy Communion at eight o’clock in the morning, for a short service at mid-day (at 1.15), and for an evening service at eight o’clock. The oak panelling is that originally introduced by Sir Christopher Wren; the mosaic at the west end commemorates Archdeacon Hale, who died in 1870; the large window on the north is a memorial to Dean Mansel, Dean of the Cathedral from 1868 to 1871; the beautiful mosaic in the eastern apse is a more recent addition.
The Chapel was at first called the Morning Prayer Chapel, and was opened for use on February 1st, 1699, though the Cathedral itself was still far from completion. Here, for many years, Morning Prayers were said at an early hour: in 1699, at 6 o’clock in summer, and 7 o’clock in winter; at the present time prayers are said at 8 o’clock in the Crypt Chapel.
THE TOMB OF GENERAL GORDON
Has almost become a place of pilgrimage. His heroic character, his tragic end, have deeply touched the hearts of his countrymen, and, indeed, of countless strangers also. The Tomb is a finely conceived work of Sir Edgar Boehm.
On the left is the Wellington Monument; on the right are seen the colours of the 57th and 77th Regiments borne by them in the Crimea.