THE

been familiar to the readers of our Political and Ecclesiastical History. The present Author has nobly supported this name, by producing one of the most elegant and complete works which has hitherto appeared on any one of our Cathedral Churches. In almost all preceding publications of this kind, the Plates are either made subordinate to the history and description, or the latter are only humble handmaids to the former. In either case, many of such works possess great merit; but it remained for the present Author to combine these beauties, to find artists of the very first rank to delineate and to engrave the various views and portraits of this Cathedral and its architectural ornaments, and at the same time to lay

before the reader the most authentic and comprehensive account of the history, antiquities, and actual state of the edifice. This he has effected,

with no less honour to himself than advantage to the publick. But, as much of the contents of this elegant and accurate volume are quite original, and derived from those records which have never before been submitted to popular inspection, we must give a more minute analysis of it than might otherwise seem necessary. Salisbury Cathedral has been observed by the eye of taste, viewed by that of superstitious prejudice, and examined by men of science and reflection; and all concur in admitting, however they may differ in their mode of expressing their sentiments, its great excellence and beauty. A correct, authentic, and complete history of such a structure, accompanied by faithful portraits of its various features, was therefore a desideratum in our National History, which is now happily and adequately supplied. It is judiciously observed by Mr. Dodsworth in his Preface, that "none of GENT. MAG. June, 1815.

our Ecclesiastical structures has been more generally admired than the Cathedral of Salisbury; nor is any more worthy of attention, whether it be considered as a model of elegant simplicity, which has been seldom surpassed, or as one of the first and most perfect specimens of a style of architecture, which afterwards diverged into so many beautiful varieties."

"But," he continues, "the principal novelty of this Work is derived from sources which have before been only partially opened to any individual. These are, the Episcopal Archives, and those of the Dean and Chapter. The following are the documents principally consulted: consisting of copies of charters and In the Episcopal Archives,-a collection,

grants, to the Establishment at Old Sarum, made in the Thirteenth Century. The Book of Customs compiled by Bishop Osmund, and the account of the foundation of the New Church by William de Wanda, first Precentor, and afterwards Dean; both of the same date. The Episcopal Registers, from Bishop Mortival to the present time; and various copies of the Statutes. In the Chapter Archives, numerous original Charters and Grants from the time of Henry I; the Chapter Registers from the beginning of the Fourteenth Century; and the correspondence and register of proceedings on the canonization of Os

mund.'

-

The Author then, with equal sincerity and gentlemanly politeness, returns his thanks to the Lord Bishop, to the Dean and Chapter, to the Rev. Wm. Douglas, Chancellor and Canon, to the Rev. Archdeacon Coxe, to H. P. Wyndham, Esq. to Mr. F. Nash, the Artist whose talents as a draughtsman are so well known and admired; and lastly, to his learned and ingenious friend Mr. Hatcher, whose History and Antiquities of Sarum and its Environs is auxiously expected by all friends to profound researches into, and faithful delineations of, our National antiquities.

The Work is divided very naturally into three Parts: The First con. tains Biographical Accounts of the Bishops of Sherborne, Wilton, and Sarum, and Bishops of Salisbury from the foundation of the New Cathedral to the Reformation and present day.

The

The Second consists of historical botices relative to Wilton, and Old Sarum, their Ecclesiastical Establishments, removal of the See, erection of the present Cathedral, with all its charters, privileges, &c. alterations in the Establishment, indulgences grant ed for visiting the Church, ceremonies on enthroning the Bishop, Chorister Bishop, erection of the tower and spire, admission of different illustrious personages into the confrater nity of the Church; proceedings, on the canonization of the founder Os mund, missions to Rome, and miracles attributed to, bis intercession; erection of the Hungerford, Beauchamp, and Audley Chapels; trans, actions at the Reformation, report of Sir C. Wren, and repairs then executed, and since under Bishops Sher lock, Hume, and Barrington. The Third Part embraces an historical description of the monuments and the library, with a general survey of the structure, cloisters, chapter-house, and episcopal palace. An Appendix is added, containing an inventory of the riches of the Church at the Reformation, an account of its possessions alienated during the Rebellion, lists of the Deans and Dignitaries, and the times of preaching allotted to each Prebendal Stall. We should have been glad to have added that Lists were also given of the several Prebendaries, with short biographical notices of each, as is admirably well done in Bentham's "Ely," and in Hutchinson's "Durham."

Such is the short outline of the letterpress in this volume; we have now to notice its graphical illustrations, The plates, which are very large, are all executed by the first artists, from Brawings by Mr. Nash, Mr. C. A. Stothard, &c. They consist of a South-west view of the Cathedral; South-east, from the Bishop's garden; a very correct ground-plan; Northeast and North-west views; plates of parts and architectural ornaments; West front; interior of the nave; transept; two views in the choir; North porch; monumental effigies of Bishops Roger, Joceline, Poor, and De la Wyle, Chorister Bishop, with seals of Joceline and Poor, and facsimiles of the deeds to which they are appended; monumental effigies of William Longspee, Earl of Salisbury, William Longspee his son, John de

Monfacute, Lord Robert Hungerford, and Sir John Cheney; Monuments of Bishops Bridport and Mitford; the cloisters; chapter-house, with specimens of its sculptures; and a North view of the Episcopal Palace. All these plates are elegant and correct portraits of the parts which they are designed to represent: whoever has seen the originals, will instantly recognize and admire the extreme fidelity of the portraiture. No lights are brought from the North, no solar rays made to fall due South, no trees or other devices introduced to produce picturesque effect, no violations of perspective, or false distances introduced, nor any of those paltry arti fices which inferior artists always adopt under the pretext of giving effect, and beautifying Nature. In this respect, these views challenge competition with any others extant; and, from a recent inspection of the edifice and the plates together, we cannot hesitate in affirming them to be at least as correct as any, on so large a scale, that have yet been published. Mr. Nash, possessing the genuine spirit of the Artist, has nobly con temned all meretricious devices, and augmented his well-earned fame by trusting solely to mathematical precision, to English truth aud science, in preference to French colouring and deception. The engravings consequently are high-finished natural views of a most beautiful and superb edifice, not fanciful pictures of a large building: hence their peculiar merit. The publick are deeply indebted to the Author for this admirable, and we doubt not effectual, effort to restore the dominion of true taste; while the lovers of natural truth, of faithful imitations of things as they actually are, will greet him well.

Beginning very properly with the Lives of the Prelates, we find a very interesting account of Aldhelm, Eahlstan or Alstan, Asser, Swilhelm, Ethelwald, and the other Anglo-Saxon Bishops. Of the Dignitaries since the Norman invasion, many of whom took a decided part in the affairs of State, the Reader will find much to gratify his taste, and enlighten his judgment: their characters are delineated by the hand of a master, with an impartiality, acuteness, and discretion rarely equalled. An example of this truly historical manner and style

Occurs

occurs in the Memoir of Roger, who filled the See of Sarum during the perturbed times of Henry, Stephen, and Maud. At that period, so shortly after political justice had been suspended from the point of Duke William's sword, the conflicting parties were so numerous, and the principles of action so vague, that it requires much prudent discrimination to develope correctly the real characters of the principal actors on the scene. This Mr. Dodsworth has evinced, and in his decisions united the manner of the Gentleman who is deeply versed in the world, and the modest spirit of the Christian who loves only truth and justice. In the Memoir of Joceline, who was Bishop from 1142 to 1183, there is a very comprehensive account and historical views of the Constitutions of Clarendon; a part of our National History which merits the most serious attention of all those Members of Parliament who are desirous of destroying political distinctions on account of religious opinions. The Author has done justice to the great character and patriotic principles of Bishop Hubert Walter, a native of Norfolk, a great and a good man, whom Dart, in his History of Canterbury, had rather hastily undervalued. We must direct the Reader's particular attention to the valuable Memoirs of Bishops Ergham, Mitford, Haliam, Neville, Ayscough, &c. all which contain some original anecdotes derived from Church Registers; to those also of the amiable Jewel, the scientific Ward, one of the founders of the Royal Society, the greatest ornament of this or any other country, the excellent Burnet, the pious Sherlock, and the beneficent Barrington, and to the very interesting Life of the late Bishop Douglas, the Author of the "Criterion," a Work which evinces the greatest acuteness of mind, the clearest expression, the soundest lo

"No Prelate has been more distinguished for his liberality and charity His Lordship established a fund of 2000. the interest of which is to be yearly distributed among the poor Clergy, and their Families, at the discretion of the existing Bishop. He also appropriated the sum of 6000l. which was bequeathed to him by the Rev. Mr. Emily, to augment the revenues of the alms-houses, or college of St. Nicholas."

gic, and most enlightened judgment, which immortalize the characters of Protestant Prelates. The facts being derived from his son, the Chancellor of the Diocese, and Prebendary of Westminster, by whom the substance of them was originally communicated in our vol. LXXVII. p. 475; they are a valuable addition to Mr.Nichols selaborate collection of " Literary Anecdotes of the Eighteenth Century."

Among the many curious documents in this splendid volume are the customs or rules of the Church of Sarum by Osmund, now first published; but they are too long to admit being extracted, and in their nature unfit for abridgment. It appears that Osmund's institutions approached very nearly to those of the monastic of ders, which were subsequently introduced. The narrative of William de Wanda, incorrect extracts of which were published by Price, is here printed entire, from the original MS, in the Bishop's Records. It relates with great simplicity and perspicuity the origin and progress of the building, and the whole proceedings, both of Clergy and Laity, from the commencement to the final completion of the Cathedral. As the writer was not only an eye-witness, but at the time Chanter, and afterwards Dean, the truth and accuracy of his relation cannot be questioned.

At the inthronement of the Bishop, the ceremonies consisted of a procession of the members of the Church round the choir, the bells ringing: they then proceeded to the West door, and thence to the North gate, where they met the Prelate elect; he was barefooted, and without the pontifical habits. The Dean sprinkled him with holy-water, and gave him a cross to kiss; he then took the usual oath, to defend the privileges of the Church; and joined the procession, singing, back to the Church. The Dean led the Bishop to the high altar, where he prostrated himself on his pall, and made his offering: he was then enthroned, and, Te Deum being sung, he gave the benediction. The pucrile ceremony of introducing a Boy or Chorister Bishop, to imitate, as if in ridicule, the acts of a grave Prelate, on St. Nicholas's day, is stated to have been instituted in the Thirteenth Century, as, had it been much earlier. something respecting it must

appeared in Osmund's minute regulations. A singular mistake is here mentioned, which Gregory, who wrote a treatise on the Boy-bishop of Salisbury, made in that work. In the Statutes of Bishop Mortival it is expressly ordered that "the Bishop of the Choristers shall make no visit,' whereas Gregory states that he was accustomed to hold visitations.

It appears that the "matchless spire" was erected in all probability by Richard de Farleigh, builder, who was employed in building the Cathedral of Bath, the Monastery of Reading, &c. An agreement between this architect and Nicholas de le Wyle, precentor, dated July 1334, is still preserved in the Chapter Records. The particular manner in which this agreement is expressed, and Farleigh's oath on the Holy Evangelists to fulfil its stipulations, prove that much importance was attached to the works then carrying on at the Cathedral, although it is not explicitly said what their nature or extent were. Many curious items of the miseries experienced by foreigners holding all the rich benefices of the Church, and liv. ing at Rome, are also recorded. The report of the miracles attributed to the rotten body of the good Bishop Osmund, the correspondence with the Roman Court to effect his deification, the expences attending that act, &c. will amuse even the most saturnine reader. The expence of effecting this mighty work amounted to 7317. 10s. besides 1000 marks, and an unknown expenditure of keeping commissioners several years at Rome to plead the cause of the Bishop,

The Third part of this publication, giving an historical description of the monuments, is by no means the least interesting; though we regret that the principal Inscriptions have not been copied. The first thing that we observed was the very handsome manner in which Mr. Dodsworth corrects an inadvertence of the late Mr. Gough, in his Sepulchral Monuments; modestly evading all imputations of vanity, in shewing, from the seals in the Chapter Records, that the tomb which Mr. G. considered to be Bishop Roger's, is in fact that of Bishop Joceline. This is speaking in the manner one gentleman would of another, in case of any oversight, and cannot be too much applauded. The alterations

in the Cathedral, conducted by the late Mr. Wyatt, are faithfully related, as they all took place under the immediate observation of the Author. The particulars respecting Sir John Cheney, who died about the begining of Henry VIIIth's reign, and of William Longspee, first Earl of Salisbury, will be read with interest. Sir John, it appears, was truly a giant, as his thigh bone measured above 21 inches, about four inches more than the usual size.

The Earl of Salisbury was one of the witnesses to Magna Charta. It is a remarkable fact, here brought to light, that the very copy of this far-famed charter, which, among the calumnies against Bishop Burnet, he was accused of disingenuously concealing, is still extant in the munimentroom of Salisbury Cathedral.

celebrated document, apparently written "A copy," observes Mr. D. " of this by the same hand as that which has been engraved, is still preserved among the Records of the Chapter. Possibly it might have been the copy intrusted to the care of the Earl of Salisbury, as one of the witnesses. Search was made for it by order of the Commissioners for examining the Public Records; but it was then overlooked." p. 202.

Thus is the character and honour of Bishop Burnet vindicated in a very important and delicate part, by the simplest statement of a fact. The other charges of misrepresentation, and even direct falsehood, brought against his admirable History of the Reformation, will doubtless all be one day or other equally refuted and exposed to the contempt of every friend to truth and reason.

But we have already sufficiently noticed a volume which must find a place in the library of every gentleman interested either in the Civil or Ecclesiastical History of Great Britain.

We are pleased to find such a pro. found and elegant Work on such an important subject, and still more that the majesty of History is not insulted by egotism, or rhapsodical eulogies. The narrative is clear, concise, and satisfactory, the descriptions neat and faithful, and the decisions cool and rational. In a word, its simple elegance, extreme accuracy, and completeness of information, fully answer all the expectations which have been formed of it,

75. De

75. Description of Browsholme Hall, in the West Riding of the County of York; and of the Parish of Waddington, in the same County: also, a Collection of Letters, from Original Manuscripts, in the Reigns of Charles I. and II. and James II. in the possession of Thomas Lister Parker, of Brows holme Hall, Esq. 4to; pp. 130.

THIS elegant volume, which is ornamented with XX spirited Etchings from neatly - finished Sketches, appears to have been printed principally for presents to the friends of the munificent Owner of Browsholme Hall; who has kindly permitted, we understand, 100 copies to be struck off for the Libraries of the Curious.

"The first residence of the Parker family was called Over Browsholme, which was above the present house, and nearer to the Roman road leading from Ribchester to Overborough. Charles Blount, the first Earl of Devonshire, sold to Thomas Parker, Esq. of Over Browsholme, all that messuage, tenement, and one pasture, within the forest of Bowland, in the county of York, called Nether Brookesholme, which premises were late parcel of the Duchy of Lancaster.' At this time Mr. T. Parker new-fronted the house in the style of

that day, introducing in the door-way the three orders of architecture, and laid out the grounds, which were situated near the brook, and much warmer and more sheltered than Over Browsholme, in the formal fashion of the times: 'His gardens next your admiration call; On every side you look, behold a wall; No pleasing intricacies intervene, No artful wildness to perplex the scene; Grove nods at grove, each alley has a brother,

And half the platform just reflects the

other.'

"In a letter from Mr. William Parker, Archdeacon of Cornwall, 1674, to his relation Mr. Thomas Parker, he states, that he hears he is altering and beautifying his house at Browsholme. In front was a bowling-green, inclosed by a high wall and iron-gates, over which was the Latin inscription, "Nemo hanc intrat portam, qui violat æquum.' The house then consisted of one centre and two wings, in the form of an half H. The door-way, which is ornamented with pillars of the three orders of architecture, is not in the centre, but has three windows on one side, and two only on the other: this space was in one room; it was called the hall, and was in extent 68 feet long, 23 wide, and 12 high: the roof of this hall is a

remarkable instance of the good beams and timbers they at that time used in their floors and ceilings. There were two large fire-places, and some plain massy oaken tables, the reliques of old English hospitality. The principal staircase went out of this hall, and was curiously carved in oak. The West wing contained the principal drawing or visiting-room, which was 30 feet long by 22 feet wide, and 15 high (now used as the drawing-room), the principal bed-room, of all. The East wing contained the the staircase, and the chapel at the top

offices. On the second floor is a room called the oak drawing-room, being most richly carved in oak wainscot. There were a great many lodging-rooms; and the Library was at the top of the East wing, containing a large collection of curious and rare works in the early ages; a very scarce and fine Missal;

The Life of St. Edmund, the founder of Bury St. Edmunds, in Suffolk,' richly illuminated with portraits and views of the Chapel at Bury, written in the Twelfth Century; the four first works of Caxton, in high preservation and excellent condition, which were sold in 1810 for 160 guineas; a very valuable collection of MSS. &c. &c."

The learned and very highly respected Author of the Antiquities of Whalley Abbey thus describes Brows holme and its environs, in 1806:

"On an elevated situation in the Forest of Bowland, is the antient house of Browsholme, for more than three centuries the residence of a family, who probably derive both their name and arms from the office of Park-keeper or Parker. Browsholme is a large house of red stone, with a centre, two wings, and a small façade in front, of that species which was peculiar to the time of Elizabeth and James I. Here is a good old library, a large miscellaneous collection of antient coins, and a valuable assemblage of MSS. relating principally to the antiquities of the neighbourhood, and to which this History is much indebted. These are monuments of the intelligence and curiosity of the family. Another relic, preserved with religious reverence, attests their devotion; it is a skull, said to have been employed by a former owner, in the private exercises of religion, as a monitor of death; and it is polished by frequent attrition to a surface resembling coarse ivory. But the most valuable relic preserved at Browsholme is the original seal of the Commonwealth for the approbation of Ministers; it is of very massy silver, and is inscribed, the 'Seal for approbation of

Minis