The town residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, is an irregular pile of building, situate on the south bank of the Thames, almost opposite Westminster Abbey. Having been erected at different periods, it displays various kinds of architecture. A considerable portion dates as far back as the thirteenth century. The corners of the edifice are faced with rustic work; and the top surrounded with battlements. In the banquetting room, which has an old carved ceiling, are the portraits of all the primates from Laud to the present time. Juxon's hall (a noble room), forming part of the old palace, has Deen converted into a library, which was founded by Archbishop Bancroft, and increased at successive periods by Archbishops Abbot, Juxon, Laud, Shelden, Tennison, and Secker, till the number of volumes now exceeds 20,000. The chapel, erected in the twelfth century, con tains the remains of Archbishop Parker; and in the vestry are portraits of several bishops. The Lollards' tower, at the western extremity of the chapel, contains a small room wainscotted with oak, on which are inscribed several names and portions of sentences in ancient characters, and the walls are furnished with large rings, to which the Lollards, and other persons confined for heretical opinions, are supposed to have been affixed. In the grounds, which are tastefully laid out, are two fig trees of extraordinary size, said to have been planted by Cardinal Pole, about 1558. A new Gothic wing was added by Dr. Howley, the late archbishop, from the designs of Mr. Blore; and the domestic portion of the palace greatly enlarged and fitted up in a style of simple beauty-oak panelling prevailing throughout-contrasting finely with the fretted ceilings and ornaments. BRIDGEWATER HOUSE, Green Park, the residence of the Earl of Ellesmere, erected in 1848, from the designs of Charles Barry, esq. In plan it approaches a square: the south front is one hundred and forty-two feet six inches from east to west; and the west front one hundred and twenty-two feet from north to south; and there are two small courts within the mass to aid in lighting the various apartments. The palace-residences of Rome and Venice have furnished the general types for the elevations, skilfully combined in good proportions: the details are mostly very elegant, and the general effect good. The picture-gallery, which occupies the whole of the north side of the house, and is carried out a few feet beyond the east wall of the ground floor, on stone landings and cantilevers, will be opened to the public. APSLEY HOUSE, Hyde Park-corner, the residence of His Grace the Duke of Wellington, was built by Lord Chancellor Apsley, afterwards second Earl of Bathurst, about 1770, from designs by Messrs. Adams, on the site of the old ranger's lodge. In 1828-9, it was enlarged, and entirely remodelled, under the direction of Sir J. Wyattville. The principal front consists of a centre with two wings, having a portico of the Corinthian order, raised upon a rusticated arcade of three apertures, leading to the entrance wall. The west front consists of two wings, the centre slightly recedes, and has four windows, with a balcony. In the saloon is a beautiful bust of Napoleon, by Canova. NORTHUMBERLAND HOUSE, Charing Cross, is one of the most magnificent town mansions of the nobility, and is a fine specimen of the architecture of the time of James I.; it was built by Bernard Jansen, a Flemish architect. The lion on the central parapet is the crest of the Percies. STAFFORD HOUSE, Stable-yard, St. James', the residence of His Grace the Duke of Sutherland. It was commenced in 1825, from designs by Mr. F. Wyatt, and was intended for the residence of His late Royal Highness the Duke of York. On his demise, it was purchased by the Marquis of Stafford, and furnished in the most splendid style. Its form is quadrangular, and it has four perfect fronts, all of which are cased with stone. The north or principal front, which is the entrance, exhibits a portico of eight Corinthian columns. The south and west fronts are alike; they project slightly at each end, and in the centre are six Corinthian columns supporting a pediment. The east front differs a little from the preceding, as it has no projecting columns. BURLINGTON HOUSE, Piccadilly, erected by Richard Boyle, third Earl of Burlington, on the site of a house built by Sir John Denham, the poet, in the reign of Charles II., who was his own architect. "Who plants like Bathurst, and who builds like Boyle?" It was admired by Horace Walpole, and is thus alluded to by Gay, in his "Trivia:" "Burlington's fair palace still remains. Beauty within ;-without, proportion reigns; For Burlington's beloved by every muse.' The Duke of Portland died here, in 1800, only a few days after he had resigned his seat in the Cabinet. 60 CHAPTER V. THE PARKS AND GARDENS. Fountains and trees, our wearied pride do please, And in our towns, that prospect gives delight This splendid city! How wanton sits she, amidst Nature's smiles; A waste of wealth, the store-house of the world. Sprat. Young. ST. JAMES' PARK Was originally formed by Henry VIII., who caused to be drained and enclosed what at that time was little better than a marsh. It was afterwards much improved by Charles II., who employed Le Notre to plant the avenues and form the canal, as also the aviary adjoining, from which the bird-cage-walk took its name. Succeeding kings allowed the people the privilege of walking here; and William III., in 1699, granted the neighbouring inhabitants a passage into it through Spring-gardens. In 1828 it assumed its present appearance, and is now one of the most delightful promenades in the metropolis. On the parade, in front of the Horse-guards, are placed |
