RESTORATION 
 
 HEREFORD 
 CATHEDRAL CHURCH 
 
RESTORATION 
 
 OF 
 
 THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH 
 
 OF HEREFORD. 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 
 in 2011 with funding from 
 
 Research Library, The Getty Research Institute 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/statementofcondiOOmere 
 

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 faustum sit orantrs, in lEo, tujus mrriti5 
 Solum confftrimus. 
 
A STATEMENT 
 
 OF THE CONDITION AND CIRCUMSTANCES 
 
 OF THE 
 
 CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF HEREFORD, 
 
 IN THE YEAR 1841. 
 
 My Lords and Gentlemen, 
 
 BEG to assure you that I am in no degree insensible 
 to the heavy responsibility which rests upon me on 
 this occasion. I am expected to convey to you a just 
 and adequate appreciation of the peculiar circumstan- 
 ces of the venerable edifice of which I am one of the 
 guardians, and I must crave your indulgent consideration 
 whilst I endeavour to acquit myself of the duty which so 
 devolves upon me in the execution of it. I am anxious 
 to trespass for as short a time as possible on your attention, 
 but not so briefly as to omit anything which it may be 
 essential for you to know. My object is, to put you in 
 possession of the real state of the case, at least that which, 
 from minute personal examination and diligent study of every 
 detail, I believe to be the real state of the case. I acknow- 
 
ledge the reasonableness of the expectation, that if your aid 
 is solicited, you should be satisfied that it is really needed, 
 and that the object is not only " worthy for whom you should 
 do this," but that it may be regarded, as fairly and probably 
 attainable, as well as soundly and judiciously planned, divested 
 at once of all visionary innovation, and unprecedented altera- 
 tion, and all unnecessary and exorbitant expenditure. Although 
 the nature of my subject may require seme length of exposi- 
 tion, I venture to rely on a patient hearing, and I make it 
 an earnest request, that in ease I should omit any topic on 
 which you may desire information, or should so treat of it as 
 to leave it doubtful or defective of lucid developement, you 
 would kindly ask me for the requisite explanation, for the 
 opportunity of giving which I shall feel extremely thankful. 
 That the subject is indeed one of interest in itself I need not 
 affirm, your presence here to day proclaims that truth. — 
 The ancient and majestic fabric, for whose sustentation this 
 meeting is assembled, has claims upon the regard of all who 
 have been accustomed to derive gratification from contempla- 
 ting the achievements of human skill, or to receive impressions 
 of reverence from sacred associations. It is not merely the 
 most splendid monument of masonic skill in this district, and 
 that of an age which is reckoned by centuries, but it is the 
 venerable, and still beautiful mother — the mother Church of 
 this whole diocese ; which ought to be both the pattern and 
 the pride of all her handmaids, her fellow-helpers in the work 
 
of the ministry, and of all who derive spiritual benefit from 
 those her daughters who are located in each surrounding 
 parish. Not only because in her the daily offering of prayer 
 and praise is wont to be presented — (was wont I should say, 
 for now indeed the pealing organ and the solemn chant have 
 ceased, but oh, that they may soon resound again in the 
 beauty of Holiness) — but because it is the early monument of 
 your ancestral piety, the noble and the costly dedication to 
 Jehovah and the glorified Son of God, of those who " offered 
 willingly," and in itself an exquisite and appropriate means of 
 attuning and directing the heart towards Heaven. Surely 
 were there reluctance to respond to these sentiments, it might 
 be said again to us, as of old by a Prophet (Haggai i.) of 
 that God whose dwelling has been placed therein, and there 
 continued in his blessing and his mercy, twice or even thrice 
 as long a period as was vouchsafed to Solomon's more visibly 
 but not more vitally distinguished Temple. — " Is it time for 
 you, ye, to dwell in your ceiled houses and this house lie 
 waste ?" But I am transgressing the rule I had proposed 
 to myself; I would confine myself to explanation, and declara- 
 tion of fajts ; no solicitations are in fact required, none are 
 necessary, and from me they would be specially unbecoming. 
 The tide of liberal contribution Las set in, it will flow on, 
 and "our holy and beautiful house will b ' I leave 
 
 it to others to suggest the constraining motives which may 
 well be expected to prevail — ^ie antiquity, the beauty, the 
 
5 
 
 national interest of tho sacred edifice, which may bo pleaded 
 in behalf of our projected reparations and restorations. I 
 shall avoid all attempt at rhetorical embellishment — I desire 
 to uso great plainness of speech, and, with confidence in that 
 spirit which has already manifested itself, will gladly confine 
 myself to that course of duty which more especially belongs 
 to inc on this occasion, to a simple narrative of facts. This 
 I proceed then to attempt in the order which the subject 
 seems most naturally to suggest, by declaring — 
 
 First. — The nature of the several dilapidations and tho 
 occasion and mode of their discovery. 
 
 Secondly. — The plans and extent of reparation and restora- 
 tion proposed. 
 
 Thirdly. — The costs which these would incur. 
 
 Fourthly. — The means which the Cathedral itself supplies. 
 
 Fifthly. — The voluntary contributions which the members 
 of the Cathedral body have already guaranteed. 
 
 Sixthly.- — The sources from which we encourage a hope 
 that the residue of requisite funds may be obtained. 
 
 First, then, as to the nature of the several dilapidations, 
 and the occasion and mode of their discovery. 
 
 Id the autumn of the year 1840, (Oct. 3d,) I was walking 
 with Mr. Hardwick, the eminent Architect employed by tho 
 Bishop of the diocese, in preparing plans for the alterations 
 contemplated at the palace; and in passing the eastern exterior 
 of tho Lady Chapel, represented in plate 2, he said u If you 
 
do not take care you will surely have that beautiful building 
 down." The observation made a deep impression on my 
 mind. — The state of decay in that part of the fabric had long 
 been anxiously watched by me, but having ascertained that 
 Mr. Hardwick really meant what he said, having long known 
 him as a most honourable and talented man, and that his 
 assurance could not be otherwise than disinterested and sin- 
 cere ; I did not feel myself at liberty to disregard such a 
 warning given on such authority, and being then the only 
 member of the Cathedral body at hand, I immediately took 
 upon myself the responsibility of having shores and props 
 erected in such a manner as at least to relieve the walls of 
 some of the pressure, and to prevent their bulging farther out. 
 In the early part of the subsequent spring, Mr. Cottingham 
 was called in to examine that part of the building, at which 
 time there was no anticipation that the Chapter would be 
 obliged to have recourse to extraneous aid, for they had no 
 reason to suspect that there was any other part of the Cathe- 
 dral so defective, as to require more than the ordinary measure 
 of annual reparation — so completely covered up were all those 
 points in which subsequent examination proved their confident 
 security to have been most fallacious. 
 
 Upon clearing away the whitewash and plaster, which is 
 the plague spot, the spreading plague, which mars the beauty 
 of our ecclesiastical fabrics, and of none more lamentably than 
 Hereford Cathedral; it appeared, that the crack which was 
 
8 
 
 observable in the soffit of each of these exquisitely beautiful 
 window arches, was in fact a fissure, in some places four inches 
 wide ; that the external and internal ashlars were unconnected, 
 the fissure running vertically between them, and that the core 
 of the wall had no connection with the ashlar, the bond stones 
 being drawn off and the rubble masonry having lost all its 
 cohesive properties : in order duly to appreciate this description, 
 it may be useful to understand, that the mode of construction 
 adopted by masons of early times, was different from that in 
 common practice at the present day; their walls were much 
 thicker, and were composed of hewn stone forming a sort of 
 casing at each side, which is called ashlar, the interstice being 
 filled up with rubble masonry or grouting, (pieces of stone 
 cemented together by lime and loam,) and when the bond stones 
 of this ashlar are sufficiently long, forming a compact and 
 substantial wall : this important requisite does not appear to 
 have been sufficiently attended to in this instance ; the conse- 
 quence has been that the weight above has split the wall, 
 though happily the interior face of the most beautiful charac- 
 ter of the period to which it belongs, is upright and sound. 
 The outer ashlar having nothing to attach it to its fellow in 
 the inside, has bulged out so considerably as to cause great 
 dislocation of the stones, and to be apparently in a state of 
 danger, to the observation of any person who may pass by. — 
 The plans exhibited of each portion of the building will give 
 a general idea of its form and symmetry, whilst the coloured 
 
drawing of a section of the wall will convey an accurate un- 
 derstanding of the defects just described. These remarks will 
 be rendered intelligible by plate 4, representing the section of 
 the wall through the centre light of this beautiful window. — 
 I have learnt that amongst many absurd misconceptions which 
 have been in circulation, it has been asserted, that this alarm- 
 ing condition of the building arises from the Dean's rashness 
 in removing the earth from the base of the building, some 
 five or six years ago : it is hardly necessary to refute such an 
 erroneous surmise, although it may serve to shew how gener- 
 ally unworthy of attention any such mere fancies must be. — 
 It is perfectly true that I was instrumental in obtaining the 
 removal of earth from this and other parts of the Cathedral ; 
 in some places accumulated to the height of four or five feet, 
 and which not only destroyed the proportions of this building, 
 (actually covering the windows of the Crypt) but did the 
 walls, composed of stone of a friable and spongy nature, 
 exceeding injury, by soaking them with moisture and damp, 
 which was manifest in the Crypt below, as well as in the 
 floors of the interior generally, and which are now as dry as 
 can be desired; but the foundation of this east end of the 
 Lady Chapel is substantial and sound, and much improved by 
 its exposure to the air ; it is the superstructure which is 
 defective, and the cause of the malady is above, — it is the 
 superincumbent weight which has split the insufficiently bonded 
 walls, besides which, it has not recently commenced; and this 
 
10 
 
 may be clearly demonstrated from tho discovery of pieces of 
 tile thrust into the cracks, and covered over with mortar and 
 whitewash, which may be seen at this present time. The 
 fissures having been traced to the base of the jambs of tho 
 windows, it was of course necessary to follow them to their 
 utmost depth ; in order to effect this, the removal of the oak 
 panelling fitted to the wall below the windows was unavoid- 
 able ; but to accomplish this, the cumbrous bookcases which 
 filled up the greater part of the area, were, of necessity, dis- 
 placed, and to remove them, the unsightly lath and plaster 
 partitions from the sides of the pillar at the west end of the 
 Chapel, were taken down. The ashlar of the wall below the 
 windows indicated considerable disturbance, and will require 
 to be re-constructed ; no little injury having been caused (in 
 addition to what may be termed the natural mischief) by the 
 driving of plugs into the joints to fix the panelling to. I 
 cannot refrain from touching briefly on some of the beauties 
 and interesting features developed by the clearing of this most 
 splendid room, represented in part by plate 4, its symmetrical 
 proportions, before completely spoilt ; the remnants of its ancient 
 painting, which were traceable beneath the whitewash; the fair 
 disclosure of the monuments of Joanna de Kilpec,* a benefac- 
 tress to this very edifice, and Humphrey do Bohun, her 
 husband, both of exceeding interest ; the discovery of two 
 aumbries, both walled up, but one with the stones composing 
 
 * See Appendix. 
 
11 
 
 it reversed ; the double piscina on the south side, the Chapel 
 of Bishop Audley ; but especially two of the most beautiful 
 specimens of transition arches which can be found in any 
 edifice, bearing the Early English form, the shafts and capitals 
 and the lancet shaped arch above, but ornamented in their 
 soffits with the Norman moulding, and the zigzag decoration, 
 corresponding with the remarkable union of the Norman inter- 
 secting arches on the exterior of the building, with its pointed 
 characteristics. One of these is represented in plate 5. The 
 appearance of the central column with a base in the Early 
 English, and its capital with the Norman ornament, might be 
 added: the stairs to the Crypt, and the discovery of several 
 most interesting relics in the adjoining vaults opened in 
 reducing the floor to its original level; but I must leave these 
 to the department of the antiquary, and proceed in the execu- 
 tion of my proper duty. Having ascertained by this process 
 that so much of mischief was concealed as well as beauty, 
 and having had his attention called to some cracks in the 
 groining above the transept between the Lady Chapel and the 
 altar, Mr. Cottingham proceeded to seek the cause of such 
 an indication of unsoundness ; the result of which was the 
 satisfactory conclusion that these were not of recent appearance, 
 and were not increased since I had first observed them about 
 seven years ago, when the cause was in fact removed. At 
 that period I had been led to imagine that the Grecian screen 
 in the interior of the choir, concealed some of the original 
 
 c 
 
12 
 
 decoration of that part, and haying ascended to the summit 
 
 of its central pediment, on removing a portion of plaster, I 
 was charmed by the appearance of a stone apparently forming 
 part of the architravo of an arch, which bore traces of 
 Norman ornaments. I naturally concluded that the original 
 composition might bo still in existence, but, on removing the 
 picture below, it was evident that the arch was of compara- 
 tively modern construction, though composed of ancient worked 
 stones, and had been filled up with solid masonry, the face of 
 which was plastered, and on it was painted tho Decalogue, in 
 English, in black letter, with the capital letters illuminated ; 
 observing that the thickness of the wall at this spot was from 
 eight to ten feet, I was by no means satisfied with the 
 discovery I had made, and on minute investigation of tho 
 opposite side, two small cracks in tho face of the wall, equi- 
 distant from the centre were discernible, which upon being 
 examined, disclosed the interior portion of the once majestic 
 and beautiful decoration of the east end of the Choir. The 
 double columns and their capitals on either side, as well as a 
 portion of the arch above wero perfect, but the interstice 
 between tho two walls had been filled up with the broken 
 fragments of figures, torn from different monuments, and 
 amongst them, four from that of Humphrey do Bohun already 
 mentioned, in the Lady Chapel ; it is specially remarkablo that 
 the wall between tho doublo columns was evidently built at 
 the time the central column was constructed, for the stones of 
 
13 
 
 that column, in several parts elongated, formed part of the 
 wall ; the capital of that column is correspondent with the 
 Early English or transition style of the entrance to the Lady 
 Chapel, whilst the ribs of the groining springing from it, bear 
 the Norman ornaments, which are supported on the opposite 
 side by a column, with a Norman capital and Early English 
 base. It might even then have been considered fortunate that 
 this discovery was made, for on opening the part lying 
 between the remnant of the ancient arch, it seemed that the 
 wood work placed there to carry the gutter plate below the 
 window, subsequently introduced, and the struts, which alone 
 withstood the thrust of the half groin which pressed against 
 it, had completely perished. The mode of securing tin- 
 defective part was devised by myself; it was sufficiently sub- 
 stantial I believe to answer the purpose, but still, in the hope 
 that it would be only auxilliary to that restoration of the 
 original features of this portion of the Church, which I then 
 ventured to suggest, and to show the effect of which, I caused 
 a lithographic print to be struck off, but which was reserved 
 for a later period, and the influences of far more efficient 
 auspices. Under these circumstances it was very natural that 
 I should feel anxious that the existing cracks in the groining 
 above should be investigated, and being at that time about to 
 leave Hereford, to resume my usual duties in London, I told 
 Mr. Cottingham I much wished that before he left Hereford, 
 he would ascertain the state of soundness at this point, and 
 
14 
 
 also would examine the condition and bearing of the unsightly 
 incumbrances to the north and south arches of the tower, 
 having frequently observed in that facing the Consistory 
 Court, cracks which seemed to me to increase ; and feeling 
 confident that the operation of those masses of stone was 
 calculated to do harm rather than good, whilst they destroyed 
 the beauty and symmetry of the splendid arches which they 
 blocked up. Mr. Cottingham's first care was to ascertain the 
 actual state of the vaulting itself, immediately to the east of 
 the Choir, and here it did not appear that any material defect 
 existed ; his attention was then attracted by the peculiar 
 sweep of the base on which the columns below stood, and by 
 the indication of a continuation of the decorated masonry 
 behind the rough walls from which the arch springs on either 
 side. It was impossible not to be struck Avith the corresponding 
 traces of Norman mouldings which were just perceptible here 
 and there above the Grecian screen, and between it and the 
 painted boards representing curtains above, whilst on travers- 
 ing the clerestory gallery, the remains of Norman ornaments 
 were everywhere to be found, and the gallery itself, as I had 
 before pointed out, was still existent at each side, returned 
 behind the wooden coverings, up to the splays of the eastern 
 windows, near to which was a pair of small perforated arches, 
 of the same style with those on the north and south sides. — 
 It was not difficult to perceive from the iron braces and ties 
 which extended on either side, the whole length of the 
 
15 
 
 clerestory range, that sonic danger or dislocation had cither 
 existed or was apprehended at an earlier period ; and it was 
 thought fit to complete the survey of this part by the removal 
 of the whole incongruous covering of the east end of the 
 choir, represented in its then form in plate 6. I am aware 
 that it has been thought by some that more of the Cathedral 
 has been dismantled than was necessary. To the casual 
 observer, or those who derive their information through cir- 
 cuitous channels, or who measure the requirements of the 
 Temple of God upon the same principles as they regard the 
 reparation of their barns, it might possibly seem so ; but not 
 to insist on considerations, which must ever be paramount in 
 importance in the believer's mind, I may venture to affirm, 
 with the intimate knowledge I have been enabled to acquire, 
 of facts, the ocular demonstration I have obtained, the minute 
 and personal investigation I have made of every part, that it 
 is my firm conviction that it ought to be regarded as provi- 
 dential, that the examination which was instituted in the 
 Lady Chapel did not terminate there. — I cannot divest my 
 mind of the impression, that it has probably been the means, 
 I say not merely of developing the most grand and beautiful 
 design and composition which can be found in any ecclesiasti- 
 cal structure, but of preventing the most disastrous ruin — the 
 most awful sacrifice of human life. How long matters might 
 have gone on, and we have supposed that all was secure, I 
 pretend not to guess,— there would have been no warning,— 
 
in 
 
 there was the swelling out in the high wall, whose bursting 
 comoth suddenly at the instant. Once before, in this same 
 Cathedral has a tower fallen, when practical masons had but 
 a little while before pronounced it safe ! The second, from its 
 position, might probably have been more fatal ; must have 
 been far more destructive to the goodly fabric which surrounds 
 it. The removal of the Grecian oak screen at the altar end 
 of the choir proved these facts : — that those who had erected 
 it, had removed in four places the ashlar of the walls, into 
 the very core, to make room for the recesses in the screen, 
 and had left the walls in those places without support ; it 
 also proved that the scenic decoration at the top, the painted 
 boards to represent curtains, (what an adornment for a Cathe- 
 dral Church !) were partially loosened from the wedgos which 
 had been driven to fix them to, and to strain the joints of 
 the masonry, and that the wooden imitations of tassels which 
 hung immediately over the heads of tho ministering priests, as 
 often as they officiated at the altar, were suspended on a 
 rusty nail by small twine, little better than packthread. To 
 such as have been accustomed to view this portion of the 
 Cathedral of Hereford in its debased and disguised form, the 
 change which was effected by this removal of such heteroge- 
 neous appendages is most striking, and the mutilated string 
 courses and their broken shafts, the wrecks of former beauty 
 and appropriate order are, even if it wcro impracticable to 
 restore them, infinitely preferable to those incongruities which 
 
1? 
 
 hare been happily removed. Tt appears that long before the 
 introduction of the Grecian screen in 1717, the original 
 arrangement had been disturbed by the introduction of a per- 
 pendicular window, to support which, the low circular arch in 
 the centre had been constructed ; on either side of this window 
 were now to bo seen the mouldings and featherings of the 
 original early decorated lights, on a level and in communica- 
 tion with the lateral clerestory range; below these the Norman 
 arcade, based upon a string course of nebule ornaments, and 
 these sufficiently preserved to afford accurate patterns for 
 exact restoration ; but below, the beauty of beauties was to 
 be traced — the thickness of that part of the wall is eight feet; 
 on either side of the arch, twenty-four feet in span, were 
 portions of shafts, corresponding with the pair of Norman 
 shafts exposed to view seven years ago, — the bases of these 
 standing on a sort of plinth, which was continued through 
 those already referred to, as well as the capitals, of most 
 curious detail, were perfect, and upon them were visible as 
 far as the level of the window above, the remaining stones 
 which formed the architrave of the exterior arch, from which 
 it was evident that its crown must have risen to the height 
 of thirty feet. By cautious examination of the parts walled 
 up, it was discovered that the capitals were all perfect, and 
 that this exquisite and grand construction, the mutilation and 
 concealment of which it is utterly impossible to account for, 
 was in fact made up of five arches, the interior and smallest 
 
18 
 
 supported by the two semi columns already described, and 
 each of the others increasing in span as it approached the 
 front upon square and circular shafts alternately, the faces of 
 each arch being beautifully decorated with the choicest 
 Norman ornaments. Of the four lateral arches, the two first 
 had been not only hid by the oak panelling of the screen, 
 but were also, like the two others closed up with lath and 
 plaster, as the central arch; and when these incumbrances and 
 desecrations were taken away, it is impossible to describe 
 adequately the glorious effect produced, rendered more solemn 
 and impressive by the appearance of the ancient monuments 
 of Bishops Reynelm, Mayew, Stanbury, and Benet, whose 
 ashes rest beneath these massive arches, of which, together 
 with the noble triforium above, before the conquest, Athelstan 
 had probably been the founder, and the former of those just 
 mentioned, the completer and restorer after that era. These 
 investigations having been effected and the rubbish cleared 
 away, preparations were made for resuming the servico of the 
 choir; on Sunday, the sixteenth of May, it was accordingly 
 performed, and it was especially remarked that the effect of 
 the voice of the priest at the altar, and of the organ and 
 choristers, was never before heard by any present to such 
 striking advantage, whilst the general temperature of the 
 Cathedral was exceedingly improved — the closeness in some 
 parts, and the sudden currents of air in others, which had 
 before been complained of, having been completely removed. 
 
19 
 
 At this rime a scaffolding had been erected in the south 
 transept for the purpose of examining, according to my re 
 quest, the unsightly mass of masonry under the arches of the 
 tower, — so far as it had proceeded, it had completely verified 
 the predictions which had been made, that they did no ser- 
 vice to the fabric, but rather injury; the mortar had b 
 removed just enough to ascertain that between the top of the 
 mass and the soffit of the arch a lath might be passed 
 proving that it had no bearing there : in the subsequent 
 week, the cracks in the plaster were opened and the whole 
 covering removed, but mortar and whitewash, though appai 
 ently considered by some to be panaceas for all defects, 
 proved most deceptive and fallacious, the real state of thing 
 which they concealed in this part was truly formidable, — th 
 entire mass of stone work had by its own weight and sul 
 dence cracked and crushed itself, the oxeye masonry in Hi 
 centre had hardly a stone whole in its entire construction. 
 and the weight pressing, as its very form caused it to do, on 
 the sides, tended to thrust them out, and actually opened the 
 joints in the crowns of the arches, — this was the state o 
 things in the arches both of the north and south transep 
 but the vaulting which had been introduced, as appears by 
 the mouldings, about the year 1450, prevented further exami- 
 nation from below, sufficient was there to be seen to make it 
 evident that the service of the choir must at once he discon- 
 tinued, though so recently resumed, in the ignorant confid 
 
 i) 
 
20 
 
 thai all which remained to be done was the investigation and 
 perhaps, (as it was hoped,) the ultimate removal of the 
 useless and ugly piers, and their ponderous superstructure, — 
 and that the fissures and dislocations of the masonry must be 
 probed and scrutinized to the utmost. To this end, the con- 
 st ruction of the upper portion of the tower came next under 
 examination, this is very peculiar, — above the floor of the 
 belfry, which rested on the centre of the vaulting already 
 mentioned, and rising from a plain Gothic moulding, is a 
 range of fifty-two massive stone columns, behind which is a 
 passage as high as the whole extent of their altitude, at 
 least twenty-five or thirty feet — at each angle of the tower 
 where a course of stone serving as a bond to these columns 
 was introduced, and at their summits, a drawing off from their 
 bearings was perceptible, and in one particular angle at some 
 height above, the fissure is so extensive as to show the light 
 completely through, the wall being at that part, of the thick- 
 ness of the columns, passage, and exterior wall. The string 
 course upon which the bases of the columns rest was ob- 
 served, and especially at each corner, to have been flushed 
 or split ofF in many places, — the floor of the belfry was then 
 taken up, and it was discovered that the pockets formed by 
 the walls of the tower and the vaulting were filled up with 
 a sort of rubbish of a peculiar description, resembling oakum, 
 placed there perhaps for the purpose of counteracting vibra- 
 tion, two hundred and fifty cart loads of this were removed, 
 
21 
 
 and in it were found two or three small crucifixes, and some 
 very curious fragments of carvings in alabaster, the remnants 
 of some very gorgeous and elaborate shrine of the middle of 
 the fourteenth century. But the discovery now made in the 
 condition of the fabric at this point was absolutely appalling ! 
 At each angle immediately below the Gothic string course, 
 were four apertures running diagonally through the walls, so 
 as to admit the light from the exterior, and as much as two 
 feet and a half in diameter; the double columns at the angles 
 immediately over these had crushed and fractured the inter- 
 vening stones and hence the drawing off above, — and the 
 entire masonry on each side appeared in the most shattered 
 condition, the stones not only drawn off from each other, 
 displaying apertures two or three inches wide, but fissures 
 running vertically down through the stones, which had been 
 split and fractured through their entire substance, and these 
 fissures and dislocations were not superficial, but actually 
 passed through the main substance of the walls, the bond and 
 core of which were in a state of disintegration, disclosing 
 correspondent fissures on the other sides. The next care was 
 to follow their course in the main piers which support the 
 central tower, the weight of which above their capitals must 
 be at least seven thousand tons. The required scaffolding 
 being erected, the necessary clearance of the plaster was 
 effected, when it was too evident that in every one of the 
 piers those fissures, of the same alarming vertical character, 
 
22 
 
 Krere in existence, and arising from the same causes, — the 
 enormous superincumbent pressure <>n legs or piers, which were 
 not sufficiently substantial to endure the weight. In prosecuting 
 this painful investigation some very remarkable observations 
 were necessarily made — it appeared that each of the piers had 
 for the most part at some period of no recent date, been not 
 only refaced, but that the north west pier in particular had 
 been bolstered up in a singular manner, with strips of stone 
 cramped against it by iron ties, with the grain or bed of the 
 stone laid perpendicularly, in the manner of splints on a man's 
 broken leg, and that, for this purpose, the original Norman 
 semi-columns had been cut off, or in some instances built over, 
 as seen in plate 8. Upon examining a portion of this pier, 
 represented in plate 10, one of the workmen had occasion to 
 remove a stone, and there came from the opening so caused 
 such a rush of dust-like matter and rubbish, evidently the 
 crushed mortar and grouting which formed the core or interior 
 of the column, now reduced to the condition of sand, as 
 proved that all cohesive quality in its composition was gone ; 
 and that a part at least of this pier stood upon its outer 
 casing, or ashlar, and had no support from its inner filling up, 
 by the copious discharge of which, a vacuum of considerable 
 extent must have been formed. The conviction thus forced 
 upon the mind was extremely awful ! it was impossible to 
 foresee what might bo the extent or the consequence of this 
 ■ of things, — and my first care was to prevent as much as 
 
23 
 
 possible, danger to those who might be passing from time to 
 time very near to the spot, by causing barriers to be placed 
 at each extremity of the walk through the Cathedral yard, 
 and directing shores, the most effectual that our present means 
 could supply, to be applied with as little delay as possible. — 
 The Architect at this startling discovery was so affected, by 
 the apprehension that this beautiful and majestic tower, and 
 with it the whole surrounding fabric, might be beyond the 
 power of human skill to save, that, without affectation I firmly 
 believe, he could not refrain from tears. It was more than 
 ever important that the piers should be thoroughly examined, 
 even to the foundation, — that they had materially subsided, was 
 evident from the dragging down of the lateral portions of the 
 choir and transept walls. Was this from defect of foundation, 
 or the soil on which that foundation was built ? Excavations 
 were made to ascertain this — one continued line of foundation, 
 eight feet wide, runs from east to west on either side through- 
 out the nave and choir, and on this the piers are built, — it is 
 laid on a compact stratum of gravel, and to this hour the 
 actual cause of the inferior sinking of these piers, as well as 
 other portions of the building, is undetermined beyond mere 
 conjecture. But here let me advert to a charge which has 
 been brought against us for removing needlessly, as it is 
 asserted, the stalls, the organ, and the organ screen. — If any 
 of those who may be so disposed to blame had seen the state 
 of that pier which has been described, if he had conceived it 
 
24 
 
 even possible, that that stupendous weight of superincumbent 
 masonry might fall and bury all below it in one confused mass 
 of ruins, he surely would have felt some solicitude to save 
 those beautiful specimens of elaborate and ancient carving, and 
 an instrument which has served to the praises of God for near 
 two hundred years, and of so exquisite a quality that few can 
 rival, none of its size surpass it— even if the due examination 
 so important, so indispensable, did not demand their removal ! 
 but the reparations absolutely necessary at these very points 
 would require the raising and lowering of massive- stones, the 
 removal and transfer of ponderous timbers, the fall of which 
 might do irreparable mischief to either; it surely would have 
 been a sin to risk such injury to that which could not then 
 be replaced ! If blame be due for this, that blame is due to 
 me. I pressed it on the adoption of tho Chapter, the act was 
 passed, and they were moved and all are safe. 
 
 "Me, me, adsum qui feci in me convertite ferrum 
 O Rutuli,"— 
 I believe it will be found, whatever may be the result of 
 this meeting, and the appeal thus made to the christian liber- 
 ality of those most interested (whether from local or religious 
 considerations) in tho preservation of such a fabric, whatever 
 hasty notions may have been formed abroad, that no endeavour 
 has been spared to ascertain the actual extent of dilapidation 
 and danger, no hesitation manifested or felt, to adopt that 
 course which should be at once the most prudent and the best 
 
25 
 
 calculated to secure the safety of the Cathedral, and to respect 
 the interests of the public in it. Mr. Cottingham was instructed 
 to deliver, in writing, a specific report of the condition of the 
 tower in particular; — he informed us that he attributed the 
 defective state of the masonry partly to original compression 
 of the gravel on which the foundation is placed, either at the 
 time of the erection of the new tower upon the Norman piers, 
 or perhaps at an earlier period ; but that he was decidedly of 
 opinion, that this operation had reached its utmost extent. — 
 The western arch of the tower inclined fifteen inches out of 
 the perpendicular, but the superstructure of later date was 
 upright, — he determined therefore, that the formidable appear- 
 ances which had now been detected were to be attributed to 
 the failing state of the piers on which the tower was supported ; 
 that probably some of the recent fractures were produced by 
 the additional weight imposed upon the tower about twelve 
 years since, by building the four solid pinnacles at the angles; 
 but that he had no doubt that the unsightly masses of masonry 
 erected under the centre of the north and south arches, had 
 done and were still doing great injury to the fabric, by their 
 lateral pressure, throwing the arches off their balance ; and 
 that the stone groining, by its weight, and thrusting power 
 against the angles, had a tendency to weaken the fabric. But 
 perhaps it will be more satisfactory, if I put you in possession 
 of the words he used in his description of this state of the 
 building. "To enable me to form the opinion which I have 
 
2fi 
 
 "now the honor of reporting, I have carefully examined the 
 
 11 construction of the four great piers which .support the tower, 
 "they are of Norman workmanship, and sufficient in bulk to 
 " carry a much greater weight than the present tower, had the 
 " masonry been more carefully constructed ; they consist of a 
 " series of semicircular columns attached to a thin ashlar casing 
 " which surrounds tho piers, and the chambers or cavities 
 " within are filled with a rubble core, composed of broken 
 " stones, loam and limo grouting ; this was undoubtedly suf- 
 " ficient to carry a low Norman tower, but when tho great 
 "Early English shaft was added on the top of this work, the 
 "pressure became too great for such kind of masonry to bear. 
 "Tho ashlar and semi-columns, not being well bonded and 
 "deeply headed into the rubblo cores, split and bulged, and 
 " the cores for want of a proper proportion of lime, diminished 
 "and crushed to pieces. To remedy these defects, a second 
 "facing of ashlar has been attached to the piers, in some 
 "places by cutting out a part of tho old ashlar, and in others 
 " by merely fixing long slips of stono round tho pier with iron 
 "plugs, run in with lead— these most unsightly excrescences 
 "havo destroyed tho beauty of the original design, without 
 "adding any strength to tho masonry. The same unskilful 
 " hands blocked up all the original Norman arches, except one, 
 " connected with tho tower piers, and communicating with the 
 "aisles, choir, and transepts, leaving only a small passage way 
 "in each. The first triforium arches in the choir and ea 
 
27 
 
 "side of the south transept abutting against the tower, have 
 "also been closed up with masonry, so as to leave scarcely a 
 " trace of the rich work which lies concealed behind it. These 
 "injudicious performances have tended to weaken instead of 
 "strengthen the tower. The interior walls above the main 
 "arches of the tower, up to the bases of the fifty-two pillars 
 "which surround the bell ringers' chamber, are in a very ruin- 
 "ous state, particularly at the four angles, where rude cavities, 
 " running in a diagonal direction, have been made large enough 
 " for a man to creep in, — these unaccountable holes have 
 "tended very much to increase the danger, as all the masonry 
 "connected with them is drawn off its bond, and many of the 
 "stones shivered to pieces by the enormous pressure above. — 
 "The stone work, also, above the pillars, is drawn off at the 
 "angles just below the timber work of the bell floor. — On the 
 "whole, I never witnessed a more awful monument of the 
 " fallibility of human skill than the tower of Hereford Cathedral 
 "at this moment presents. I am of opinion, that it is in a 
 " state of extreme danger, and that not a day should be lost 
 "in endeavouring to give such support to it, as will enable 
 "the masons to reinstate the defective parts, with security to 
 "their lives and limbs, as well as the fabric." Then follows 
 the recommendation of the process to be adopted in the requi- 
 site preliminary precautions, and those portions of the works 
 which it would be incurring a risk to delay. 
 
 At this period, in addition to the report of the Architect, 
 
28 
 
 the Chapter were favoured with the kind and considerate re- 
 commendation of the Bishop, that they should avail themselves 
 of the opinion of Professor Willis, of Cambridge. Without 
 distrust in the skill to which they had already confided the 
 enquiry into the malady which so grievously affected an object 
 so valuable and so cherished, it was felt that at any risk of that 
 kind, it was but an act of duty to secure the best advice, and 
 especially whim the Bishop himself had, by his intercession 
 with the Professor, secured an opportunity of possessing such 
 important aid ; mere considerations of ceremony in desperate 
 cases it would be worse than folly to regard, and his proffered 
 services were thankfully accepted. His scrutiny had been most 
 minute, his scientific examination was applied to every parti- 
 cular, and the labour he devoted to it most indefatigable. — 
 I hold in my hand his elaborate report, which I wish the time 
 would allow me to read throughout. No mere extracts could 
 adequately convey a notion of its value, or a sense of its im- 
 portance ; but I must at present confine myself to the use of 
 the following brief notice of two portions, referring to the 
 general state of the tower, and corroborating essentially Mr. 
 Cottingham's report ; premising however that the whole docu- 
 ment shall be open to the perusal of any who may interest 
 themselves in the subject enough to enter into its minutiae.* 
 The Professor observes — "Besides these appearances (referring 
 
 • This Report has since been printed, with the diagrams and their description. 
 
29 
 
 " to the subsidence of the piers,) the masonry of the spandrels, 
 
 v> that is, of the walls included between the Norman arches 
 " below, and the string course above, is in a frightful state of 
 " dislocation ; for the change of form in the arches has twisted 
 "■and fractured the stones in all directions, besides drawing 
 " them asunder so as to open the joints in many places to the 
 "extent of two inches or more. The rubble work in the heart 
 "of the wall has lost all cohesion." And again, — "It is evi- 
 "dent that the dislocation of this old work had proceeded so 
 "far as to destroy the cohesion of the Avails, and allow crush - 
 " ing of the stone work to begin, which has proceeded and 
 " probably continued from time to time, up to the present ; 
 " and has now reached such an extent as to make a thorough 
 " repair and renewal of the ashlaring of this portion of the 
 " walls necessary to prevent the entire ruin of the tower." — 
 In consequence of this unequivocal and concurrent evidence of 
 the lamentable and fearful state of the building, the Chapter 
 did not feel justified in waiting for the result of that appeal 
 which they already presaged would be absolutely necessary; it 
 was true that many of the measures recommended by the 
 Architect, were included in the estimates of the general works ; 
 but it was clear to demonstration that promptitude was requi- 
 red, and that upon their decision might the most frightful con- 
 sequences depend. It was confidently felt, that in placing the 
 venerable and majestic tower in the best state of comparative 
 security in their power, they would not be weakening the 
 
30 
 
 grounds of their appeal for aid, but rather .strengthening them ; 
 and although they were required to advance about £1200 for 
 works which, supposing the succour hoped for to bo afforded, 
 should be comprised in tho general outlay, yet they were 
 assured that no advantage would be taken of such an act of 
 disinterested, though perhaps, imperative duty. Orders were 
 therefore issued for a succession of doublo oak wedges to be 
 fixed between all the fifty-two stone columns in the belfry 
 chamber, above the main arches of the tower ; for struts and 
 shores to be fixed between and around the piers, to prevent 
 as far as possible their bulging or crushing ; that the diagonal 
 apertures in the angles of the tower, which it is difficult to 
 account for, except it may be, that they received the supports 
 of the timbers of a wooden spire, which once crowned the 
 tower, and which was taken down since the fall of the western 
 tower in 178G, should be carefully filled up with solid masonry, 
 and iron ties with powerful double screws applied so as to 
 clip or band together, that part which manifested tho greatest 
 weakness ; of these expedients some have been already accom- 
 plished, and others are at this time in progress. 
 
 I may here be permitted to digress for a short season, to 
 allude to an interesting discovery made amongst tho ancient 
 documents belonging to the Cathedral ; and which tends to 
 throw considerable light on the history of the tower, and tho 
 cause of its failure. Mr. R. Biddulph Phillipps, had kindly 
 undertaken in his well known lovo of Antiquarian research, 
 
31 
 
 to assist in examining and arranging the numerous, but an* 
 sorted and confused heaps of grants and charters, which for 
 many years had never seen the light : amongst these he 
 chanced to find a parchment, hearing two beautiful Episcopal 
 seals of Bishops, of Sarum, Roger le Poer, and Hereford, 
 Adam de Orleton, acknowledging and confirming the grant of 
 the great tithes of Shenyngfeld and Swalefeld, to the sustenta- 
 tiun of the fabric of the Church of Hereford, by the Bull of 
 Pope John XXII. , 1319. It seems that the Dean and Chap- 
 ter had petitioned the Pope on the following grounds : — that 
 "they being desirous of re-building a portion of the fabric of 
 the Church of Hereford, had caused much superstructure of 
 sumptuous work to be built, to the adornment of the House of 
 God, upon an ancient foundation ; which, in the judgment of 
 masons or Architects who were considered skilful in their art, 
 was thought to be firm and sound, at the cost of 20,000 
 marcs sterling and more, and that on account of the weakness 
 of the aforesaid foundation, the building which was placed upon 
 it now, threatened such ruin, that by a similar judgment, no 
 other remedy could be applied short of an entire renovation of 
 the fabric from the foundation, — which, on account of the ex- 
 penses incurred in prosecution of the canonization of Thomas 
 de Cantilupe, Bishop of Hereford, of blessed memory, they 
 were unable to undertake."* Upon which the said tithes were 
 appropriated to the sustentation of the fabric of the Cathedral 
 
 * S:e Appendix, 
 
32 
 
 Church, and they form to this day the fabric fund. It is per- 
 fectly evident then, that the sumptuous work alluded to in 
 this Bull was the central tower and the north transept; which 
 latter was built for the purpose of receiving the remains and 
 the shrine of Bishop Thomas de Cantilupe; the translation of 
 which took place, from the Lady Chapel where they had first 
 been deposited, a short time after. The document is very 
 satisfactory as an evidence that great commotion and alarm 
 were caused by the indications of failure in the structure soon 
 after its erection ; and other documents'"" since discovered fortify 
 the same opinion, and shew that for a long period great pre- 
 cautions and reparations were necessary. 
 
 It is very remarkable that the Norman string course as seen 
 above the main arches of the tower, see plate 8, is six inches 
 lower in the centre than at the angles of the tower, but the 
 first layer or course of stone above this, is accommodated to 
 this dip, and its upper surface is level, — proving that before 
 the superstructure was built, a settlement and sinking of the 
 arch had taken place, and that the new work commenced from 
 thence. The failures which led to the petition to Rome are 
 easily to be traced; each of tho piers of the tower have been 
 either recascd with ashlar, or, as in most instances, bolstered 
 up with masses of masonry, whilst in the north west pier the 
 greater part of tho face of the whole has been spliced as it 
 were with slips of stone set end ways, and attached to the 
 
 * See Appendix. 
 
33 
 
 column by iron cramps leaded in. On either side of the choir 
 in the clerestory range, the arches have been thrust towards 
 the east, below the triforium has been walled up, and all the 
 lateral arches on the lower range to the east, on both sides of 
 the choir, and to the north east, north west, and south west 
 in the transepts, have been treated in the self same manner. 
 The crushing, however, appears to have proceeded to such an 
 extent in the portions of the nave immediately abutting on the 
 piers of the tower, that a most decided process was deemed 
 requisite, as remarkable as it is unique, — the first arch on the 
 south side of the nave was entirely removed, and in its stead 
 an equilateral pointed arch was inserted, the semicircular pier 
 on the east side being converted to a flattened pilaster, and 
 the western spring of the arch resting upon the ancient Norman 
 capital and massive circular column ; on the opposite or north 
 side, the ancient arch excepting the architrave, the face of 
 which, ornamented with the zigzag mouldings had been chipped 
 off, all but a small portion was removed, see plate 11 ; and 
 in its place a new arch with four hollows had been substituted, 
 which were filled with the prevailing ornament of the tower, 
 the ball flower, — marking the period of the alteration ; whilst 
 the north arch in the wall of the transept, the columns and 
 capitals of which were suffered to remain, though thrust out 
 of their perpendicular position and broken and crippled fear- 
 fully, was filled up with new stone very plainly wrought, and 
 introduced under the old zigzagged arch, which on removing 
 
.'M 
 
 the coating of plaster was yet visible, see plate 10, — and the 
 whole aperture excepting a small door-way filled up with 
 substantial masonry, which, as if to bear the date of its exe- 
 cution, carried a string course in the line of the capitals, 
 ornamented with the same ball flower. At what precise period 
 the unsightly contrivance for propping, as was erroneously 
 supposed, the north and south arches of the tower was adopted 
 it may be difficult to decide, but it is not improbable that this 
 was an expedient resorted to when the preceding devices had 
 failed to effect the arrest of symptoms of settlement ; and it 
 is evident from documents, the existence of which has been 
 subsequently discovered, that indulgences and briefs, and 
 various engagements of masons were resorted to, from the 
 time of the issue of the Bull of Pope John XXII., in 1319, 
 to 1360-4, when John de Evesham and Thomas do Cantabrag 
 entered into indentures for doing the works of the fabric' 
 
 I have now (very imperfectly I am too well aware,) con- 
 ducted you through the general progress of the investigation 
 and discovery of the defects and dilapidations of the building. 
 If I have made myself sufficiently intelligible, (and if not, I 
 am ready to answer any inquiries with which I may be 
 favoured,) I will now advance to the second division of the 
 subject which I proposed to explain, namely, — the extent of 
 the restoration, for which plans have been obtained, and are 
 now exhibited before you. But, before I enter upon this task 
 it will doubtless be more satisfactory to the meeting to learn 
 
35 
 
 somewhat of the ability of the Architect who has supplied 
 those plans. The name of Mr. Cottingham, indeed, stands 
 justly high in the estimation of those who have had oppor- 
 tunities of observing his accurate restorations and splendid 
 designs; his sound taste in ecclesiastical Architecture, and the 
 powerful resources of his skill as a practical engineer. — That 
 very celebrity which he had acquired, is in itself, an un- 
 questionable guarantee for soundness, and attention in the 
 prosecution of works, which if properly executed, must greatly 
 augment and extend his fame, whilst failure from incapacity 
 or inattention, from want of taste, or prudent foresight, from 
 excess of expenditure, or from whatever cause, must subvert 
 and dissipate all the credit which he had purchased by a 
 successful and devoted career, crowned by eminent success 
 and honourable distinction in his profession. But not to 
 depend merely on fame, I determined when Mr. Cottingham 
 was first called in, personally to investigate to the best of 
 my ability how far the report of his skill and talent might 
 be depended upon. I had seen an interesting account of the 
 restoration of Armagh Cathedral, which had been in some 
 respects, especially in regard to its tower, in a state similar 
 to our own, — I, therefore, ventured to wait on his Grace the 
 Primate of Ireland, who most kindly satisfied my inquiries, 
 and informed me of the circumstances of that Cathedral. — 
 At the Cathedral at Rochester, about £7,000 had been devo- 
 ted to its restoration, under the direction of Mr. Cottingham. 
 
36 
 
 and I took the opportunity of conferring with one of the 
 Canons of that Church on the subject. — The restoration of 
 Magdalen College Chapel, at Oxford, and Saint Alban's Abbey, 
 had been effected under the same supervision ; one estimate 
 for the latter of which amounted to £ 15,000, and Mr. 
 Cottingham accomplished it for £4,500, — both of these I had 
 seen and made the objects of minute inquiries. But it will 
 1k> more to the point if I lay before you documents rather 
 than my own words, from which you may derive conclusive 
 testimony. 
 
 " I do hereby certify that I employed L. N. Cottingham, 
 Esq. of Waterloo Bridge, to restore the Cathedral of Armagh, 
 which had been much dilapidated by time and violence, and 
 that I had much reason to be satisfied with the judgment, 
 skill, and good taste which he displayed in executing the 
 work. He had many difficulties to contend against, all of 
 which ho surmounted by his ability and resources. The work- 
 ing drawings were designed with so great accuracy, that every 
 stone was found to fit the place which it was intended to 
 occupy; nor did a single accident occur during the whole 
 progress of the work, or a labourer or mechanic experience 
 the slightest hurt or injury. I make this statement at the 
 desire of Mr. Cottingham, and in justice to his merit as an 
 architect." JOHN G. ARMAGH. 
 
 Armagh, December ?, 1841. 
 
37 
 
 To the Bishop of Hereford. 
 
 December 4th, 1841. 
 My Lord, — In compliance with the request of Mr. Cotting- 
 ham, architect, I have to state, that some years ago the 
 Abbey of St. Alban's fell into a state of dangerous decay, 
 and that those interested in its preservation formed a Com- 
 mittee for the purposo of carrying on the necessary repair. 
 Of this Committee I was appointed Chairman. We had many 
 plans and estimates laid before us, and those of Mr. Cotting- 
 ham not only appeared to us the best suited to insure the 
 future stability of the building, but were infinitely less ex- 
 pensive than any of those produced. We adopted them 
 accordingly, and the whole enormous pile of building was 
 placed in the most satisfactory state of repair, under his 
 directions, and I have every reason to think will continue 
 for many years to be an object of great admiration, without 
 a further outlay being required. 
 
 All that Mr. Cottingham did has fully answered the ex- 
 pectations of the gentlemen who employed him, and I can 
 with confidence rocommend him to your Lordship. 
 I have the honour to be, my Lord, 
 
 Your Lordship's most obedient Servant, 
 
 VERULAM. 
 The Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Hereford. 
 
38 
 
 [COPY.] 
 At an Assembly of the Dean and Chapter of Rochester, field 
 30th November, 1827, it was 
 Resolved, — That the sum of one hundred guineas be pre- 
 sented to Mr. Cottingham, in testimony of the high sense 
 which the Dean and Chapter entertain of the distinguished 
 ability which he has shown in planning the restoration of 
 their Cathedral, and for his unwearied zeal and fidelity in 
 carrying the same into effect. 
 
 (A true copy.) 
 EDWARD TWOPENNY, Chapter Clerk. 
 
 7, Bedford Square, Dec. 6, 1841. 
 
 My dear Mr. Dean, — Mr. Cottingham has asked mo to 
 submit to the Dean and Chapter of Hereford such testimonial 
 of his professional skill as my own experience of it might 
 justify mo in supplying. I could not presume to address the 
 Dean and Chapter formally ; but I hope that I may he per- 
 mitted to convey to yourself — and, if you should think fit, 
 through you to your Chapter — my sense of his merits. 
 
 It would be ludicrous, indeed, to compare what he has been 
 doing for us, in our little village church, with what he desires 
 to do in your groat and venerable Cathedral ; but still, in 
 what he did for us, we could distinguish his knowledge, his 
 skill, and his zeal. He had to restore a small Norman Church ; 
 this, though the walls were little more than rubble, he did 
 
39 
 
 effectually, lie had to build for us, de novo, a tower ; this he 
 appears to have done substantially, as well as with taste. All 
 my personal communications with him were also, it is right to 
 add, most satisfactory, and his charges were very reasonable. 
 Believe me, my dear Mr. Dean, 
 
 Most faithfully yours, 
 
 ROBERT H. INGLIS. 
 The Very Rev. the Dean of Hereford. 
 
 Treasurer's Office, Inner Temple, 
 15th Sept. 1840. 
 Sir, — I am directed by the joint Committee of the two 
 Societies of the Inner and Middle Temple, to request you 
 will at your earliest convenience inspect the repairs, &c. now 
 in progress at the Temple Church, and generally to examine 
 the whole fabric of the building, and make a full report to 
 them upon the state in which you may find it. And, that in 
 such report you will have the goodness to state your opinion 
 whether there was, from the condition in which it may appear 
 to you, any immediate necessity or otherwise of the present 
 repairs and restorations being at this time carried into effect. 
 I am, Sir, 
 Your most obedient humble Servant, 
 EDW. EL MARTIN, Sub Treasurer. 
 L. N. Cottingham, Esq. 
 
40 
 
 Treasurer's Office, Inner Temple, 
 22nd Sept. 1840. 
 Sm, — I am directed by the joint Committee of the two 
 Societies of the Inner and Middle Temple, to request you will 
 have tho goodness to inform them in your report upon the 
 stato of the Temple Church, how far the present dilapidated 
 state of tho building could or could not have been known un- 
 til the work now in progress had proceeded so far as it now 
 is. And also, that you will examine and report how far the 
 works carried on in 1826 and 1827, had contributed to the 
 actual repair, restoration, and stability of the building, or 
 whether thoso works were only of a temporary nature. Like- 
 wise, you will bo good enough to state in your report, whether 
 tho drainago recently made at tho north side of the Church, 
 was a work positively necessary in order to render the Church 
 dry, and tho vicinity of it wholesome. 
 I am, Sir, 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 EDW. II. MARTIN, Sub Treasurer. 
 L. N. Cottingham, Esq. &c. &c. 
 
+1 
 
 1?, Wiinpole Street, 11th Dec. 
 Sir, — I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your 
 letter, I am most ready to bear my testimony in favour of 
 Mr. Cottingham, of whose talent and skill, by experience, I 
 have a very high opinion. He was consulted by the Com- 
 mittee of the Inner and Middle Temple, - as to the restoration 
 and reparation. I have no reason to complain of him ; and 
 the proof that he does not merit any censure is, that the res- 
 toration and reparation contemplated by him are now, for the 
 most part, in prosecution. The excess in the expenditure be- 
 yond that which we were led by the architect we then em- 
 ployed to believe would be incurred, has been a subject of 
 great complaint by us ; but I have no reason for believing 
 that Mr. Cottingham had any part in misleading us. 
 
 I can say, that I have not any cause of complaint whatever 
 against Mr. Cottingham, and I have no reason whatever for 
 believing that there was any cause of complaint against him 
 in relation to the restoration of the Temple Church. 
 I have the honour to be, Sir, 
 
 Your very faithful and obedient Servant, 
 
 WILLIAM BURGE. 
 The Very Rev. the Dean of Hereford. 
 
 (See also Appendix.) 
 
 With reference to the three last, I would briefly remark, 
 that it had been unjustly asserted that Mr. Cottingham had 
 
42 
 
 been employed at the Temple Church, in London, on which a 
 
 sum greatly exceeding the estimate had been already expended, 
 and that he had been the cau.se of such excess. This was not 
 the case, the expenditure had indeed been enormous, but Mr. 
 Cottingham was not responsible for the cost of one shilling of 
 it. He had been called in to survey what had been already 
 done, and to give his opinion on it, and on the propriety of 
 its completion upon the plans supplied, &c, but he is not 
 responsible for the placing, or the decoration, of a single stone. 
 But to return to the plans proposed for the restoration of 
 our Church. — The Lady Chapel had been the first part which 
 attracted attention, but the alarming state of the tower diverted 
 all attention from each minor point; and to this therefore, in 
 the first instance, I will direct your regard — whatever may 
 be, however, the portion to bo considered, the object I 
 trust will be, and such the plans design, to effect a sound and 
 completo restoration of the architectural features of each part ; 
 this principle, I earnestly hope, will be the polar star, which 
 will guide us in all we have to do. Restoration is the grand 
 object to be achieved — not mending and patching, too much of 
 that has indeed already been permitted, and to that mode of 
 proceeding is much of the present difficulty to be attributed. 
 I earnestly entreat that restoration may be regarded as the 
 one thing to be sought, sound and legitimate restoration, for 
 which thero is sufficient authority, if not in this particular 
 Church, (and T rejoice to say that the points of deficiency in 
 
43 
 
 this respect are very few indeed,) in others of the same 
 character and period. 
 
 To begin then with the tower. — The first object would he, 
 having braced the exterior by the iron ties and screws already 
 alluded to, and filled up the cavities in the spandrels with 
 solid masonry, and the contiguous portions of the walls with 
 renewed ashlar, to place a flat ceiling of transition style, ana- 
 logous to that of the fifty-two columns, immediately above 
 them, — the construction of which would afford important sup- 
 port to that part of the tower which had partaken of the dis- 
 turbance of the structure below, and displayed very formidable 
 cracks and fissures. It had indeed been objected that it was 
 not the intention of the Architect of 1300, when those columns 
 were erected, that they should be seen from below, and I must 
 admit that there does appear to be some reason to acquiesce 
 in such a supposition, which is supported by the influential 
 weight of Mr. Professor Willis's opinion ; but on the other 
 hand, it must not be forgotten, that the central towers of early 
 date, and indeed to the latest times of sound architectural taste, 
 had a clerestory or lantern above their main arches, as at St. 
 Alban's and Winchester, which correspond in style with that 
 of Hereford as it was : — this was evidently taken down to 
 make room for the noble but too ponderous structure which 
 was to re-place it, and it is difficult to reconcile to the known 
 practice of the time, the notion that they threw in a low 
 Norman ceiling, to the exclusion from view of the peculiar but 
 
1+ 
 
 imposing effect which they had produced above, certainly with 
 the purpose of relieving the walls and piers of weight, but not 
 therefore, of necessity, with the intention of concealment. But 
 it will be argued, that there are yet to be seen in the third 
 course of stone above the Norman string course, apertures 
 equidistant and partially filled with tufa which shew the level 
 of a ceiling, (not the ancient Norman ceiling, because the 
 evidence that the ashlar was taken down to the Norman nebule 
 string course below, is conclusive) and therefore of the ceiling 
 there placed, on occasion of tho alterations of 1300. But I 
 imagine that it admits of more than a doubt whether these 
 wero not mere putlock holes, subsequently used, possibly at the 
 erection of the vault, which was an innovation of no earlier 
 date certainly than the middle of tho fifteenth century, ami 
 having no connection whatever cither with the original design 
 or that of 1300. This vault it is necessary to remove, in 
 order to effect the substantial restoration of the piers, on which 
 it injuriously rests by its corbels, and the cost of replacing it 
 would be £500, which its debased and incongruous style and 
 oppressive weight, would render both inexpedient and undesir- 
 able. It is proposed, therefore, to place a ceiling of wood, 
 corresponding with tho character of the tower, immediately 
 above the tifty-two columns, which will then be seen as a 
 gigantic lantern from the choir, nave, and transepts ; and 
 should this arrangement be found objectionable, it will be easy 
 to supply a Norman ceiling below these columns should it be 
 
M 
 
 so determined, — but the principal reason for this proceeding is, 
 that it may act, by the ties and braces with which it is con- 
 nected, as a bond and support to that part of the tower, 
 which has been strained and drawn oft' from its due bearing 
 by the mischief below, and which, even if the ceiling should 
 not be there erected, must of necessity be supplied. This 
 being fixed, the vault or groining would then be removed, and 
 subsequently, the ashlar of the four walls on either side of the 
 tower renewed with the greatest care, duly bonded and grouted, 
 which, with the aid of the iron ties and tightening screws 
 already in progress, will make that portion as firm as the re- 
 sources of human contrivance can achieve. The main arches 
 will next demand attention, the joints and cracks will be care- 
 fully cleared and filled with a cement which will render them 
 sound and substantial ; and afterwards, each pier in succession 
 will undergo the delicate and cautious process of underpinning, 
 so as to be made in fact completely new, both as respects the 
 ashlar and the core, wherever the latter is defective, as indeed 
 it will probably be found to be to a most surprising and 
 appalling degree, — I venture to say that these piers will be 
 made completely new. I am aware that it has been asserted, 
 although I cannot coincide in the opinion, that at least one of 
 them is safe and may stand as it is, — I will admit for the 
 moment that it may be so, but surely it would be a thousand 
 pities, when the estimate is calculated to cover the entire res- 
 toration of their beautiful and majestic Norman character, 
 
M 
 
 according with the noble arches they bear, to suffer them fee 
 be merely repaired as they are, which, be it remembered, 
 would probably be no saving of expense, and not to rid them 
 of those stone hangings and casing which now encumber 
 them, obliterate their shafts and ornaments, and bespeak a 
 clumsy, if not parsimonious, patching up of that which is truly 
 worthy of admiration, and ought to elicit a generous zeal for 
 the restoration of its pristine symmetry and perfection. I can 
 have no doubt as to the most prudent course, even if mere 
 expediency alone were to be regarded, much less as to that 
 which the requirements of an enlightened taste would demand, 
 whatever difference of opinion might exist as to positive 
 necessity ; a reference to the drawings of these piers as they 
 are at present, and as they would appear when restored to 
 their original features, would at once decide the question. 
 (Seo plates 8 and 9.) When this result has been secured, the 
 removal of the central pillars and their cumbrous and unsightly 
 imposts, will be a matter of course, and in no respect of the 
 smallest risk. 
 
 I will next direct your attention to the east end of the 
 choir. — Its original composition was so remarkable after the dis- 
 coveries which were made by the removal of the Grecian oak 
 screen, its urns and painted drapery already described, that 
 it was deemed worthy of some sacrifice to procure an accu- 
 rate lithograph of it — in this, as well as in the drawings of 
 the Architect, which have been made in precise accordance 
 
17 
 
 with the remains developed, and there is in each portion 
 sufficient remaining to ensure accuracy of restoration, the most 
 striking effect is produced ; it is impossible to conceive a design 
 more worthy of admiration, and I believe the kingdom does 
 not contain a specimen of a Norman arch of so splendid a cha- 
 racter: the contrast, between this and the innovations which 
 it is hoped it will supersede, is as decided as anything can be 
 conceived to produce, and wonder is the necessary consequence 
 of the comparison, (see plates 6 and 7) at the extraordinary in- 
 fatuation which had produced the unaccountable exchange of 
 sound architectural composition of the highest order, for the 
 most paltry and inappropriate incumbrance. The painted 
 window which now occupies the centre of this end of the 
 choir, was introduced about the year 1823, under the auspices 
 of Dr. Carr, then Dean, since Bishop of Worcester, and I 
 must in justice remark that, however out of strict taste such 
 a painting must be considered in such a situation and in such 
 an edifice, he was by no means responsible for the introduction 
 of the perpendicular window which contains that painted glass, 
 on which more than £2,000 were expended. By the realiza- 
 tion of these designs not only will this portion of the Cathedral 
 present on either side three beautiful Norman arches, with their 
 superincumbent triforium of correspondent character, and the 
 Early English clerestory ; but the beauty of the eastern features 
 just described will be greatly increased in interest by the view 
 which will be obtained through the central arch, of the cxqui- 
 
48 
 
 site east windows of the Lady Chapel ; for which sufficient 
 ancient glass of good character has heen preserved, — these will 
 be seen in the distance over or through a screen of Norman 
 character, which (if not altogether in strict accordance with 
 ancient precedent,) may be considered necessary, as a division 
 of the choir from the passage at the back of the altar ; it will 
 be somewhat more elevated than that represented in the litho- 
 graph, and will be filled in with plate glass for obvious reasons. 
 Unfortunately, very many of the shafts supporting the arches, 
 as well as the string courses on either side have been chipped 
 off and must be restored ; and this portion of the works will 
 require a heavy outlay, but it must not be considered as a 
 mere matter of decoration, though to a great extent it is so, 
 (and what part of the sacred edifice can be more deserving of 
 regard?) but in several parts so much injury has been caused 
 to the walls, by the reckless driving of plugs to fix the panels, 
 and the breaking down of the ashlar to make room for the 
 recesses in the Grecian screen, that the security and soundness 
 of those portions absolutely require an extensive renovation. — 
 Whether the magnificent central arch, or the arcade above, or 
 the lateral and triforium arches, of the Norman style, or the 
 clerestory range both on the sides and at the end of the choir, 
 of the Early English, remarkable for their rich but chaste de- 
 sign, are regarded, it is impossible to conceive, either in detail 
 or in general effect, a more splendid structure, — and whenever 
 that justice is done to it which the drawings and plans point 
 
4H 
 
 out, it will give to Hereford Cathedral a gem of architectural 
 rarity, which cannot be rivalled by any other existing edifice. 
 The floor of this part of the Cathedral, as well as of the choir, 
 it is proposed to lay with encaustic tiles now manufactured in 
 exact imitation of the ancient patterns, and the effect of these 
 it is unnecessary to observe is exceedingly rich. The choir 
 itself will be refitted with the original and beautifully carved 
 stalls, but the miserable square panelled pews will be discarded, 
 and seats of the ancient model with the Gothic ends sur- 
 mounted with appropriate finials will be substituted, — a new 
 pulpit and litany desk will be provided of the same character ; 
 the organ will not be placed as before, under the central arch 
 between the choir and nave, to interrupt the range of view 
 throughout the building, but probably in the south transept 
 arch ; and the separation of the choir from the nave will be 
 effected by a screen of Norman character, accordant with the 
 features of the nave, which it will face. 
 
 I now pass on to the Lady Chapel. — The exterior of the 
 east end, with the buttresses and pinnacles at the south east 
 and north east angles, must be entirely restored ; the insulated 
 columns have been either suffered to fall down, or were 
 removed by Mr. Wyatt in his general operations in this 
 Cathedral at the commencement of this century, when he 
 lowered the pitch of all the roofs, and especially of the gable 
 of the Lady Chapel, thereby obliterating an elegant circular 
 window in the pediment, and substituting for the Early English 
 
50 
 
 coping, a raking battlement, — this it is proposed to remove, 
 and to restore the former, at least as fully as the depressed 
 range of the roof will allow, see plate 2, and to re-construct 
 the whole of the eastern exterior with its ornaments. — The 
 entire of the interior, including the beautiful arches opened in 
 the anti-chapel, will be restored with the utmost accuracy, the 
 entrance to the crypt will be guarded by its proper fence — 
 the reduction of the floor of the entrance to its original level 
 will be effected, and the denuding of the whole of the coats 
 of whitewash which clog up and disfigure tho sharpness of its 
 sculpture, — and the reparation of the piscina canopy, will be 
 included ; tho whole of that most interesting and unique chapel 
 will be at length treated in that manner which its symmetry 
 and its exquisite beauty deserve, for it is one of the most 
 perfect specimens of English Architecture. 
 
 I may here be allowed to advert to the order in which it 
 is proposed to execute these works, for it has been suggested 
 that a division into several portions would be advisable. It 
 will hardly be disputed that if the state of tho tower is such 
 as has been described, it would not be safe to postpone that 
 which might destroy all which could be done in any other 
 part. It is true that some are found who dispute that asser- 
 tion, but I cannot think that any steady and dispassionate 
 consideration can avoid the decision that the tower must first 
 be secured ; my own opinion then pointed to the east end of 
 the choir as the next point of operation, but not without first 
 
:,\ 
 
 securing by adequate shores the safety of the bulging walls of 
 the Lady Chapel, I havo however found that this process is 
 objected to, — my reason for advocating it was simply because 
 it seemed most likely to conduce to the earlier resumption of 
 divine service in our sanctuary, — an object, as this place is 
 situated, of no light importance, whilst it would save the re- 
 moving to and fro of scaffolding and various implements of 
 masonry, which would be attended with increase of expense, 
 and loss of time. But I have no other motive than the 
 public good, and although my opinion is not hastily formed, 
 but based upon an intimate acquaintance and anxious study 
 of existing circumstances, it is to be considered as my mere 
 insulated opinion, and I am quite content that, as such, it 
 should be rejected ; my main object, my anxious wish is to 
 secure the sound, substantial, and appropriate restoration of 
 the three portions of the Cathedral described, and provided 
 that object can be secured you may rest assured that no mere 
 opinion of mine, no regard to individual consideration, or 
 personal convenience, shall for one moment stand in the way 
 of the most desirable and approved course of proceeding. 
 
 I now turn to the third point proposed to be laid before 
 the meeting, viz., the cost which the works detailed would incur. 
 1st. The restoration of the tower and Norman arches 
 abutting on the same, according to drawings and 
 specifications, including ceiling, iron ties, screws, 
 and other braces £.5,719 
 
 H 
 
2nd. Repairing and restoring sixteen Lull chamber 
 windows, carrying down the eight blank windows 
 and centre panels over the roof to the same level, 
 so as to obviate the unsightly appearance of the 
 
 weather moulding over the former roof £ 423 
 
 3rd. Restoration of the east end of the choir, &c., 
 with marble steps, altar, encaustic tile paving, and 
 
 new organ loft £4,742 
 
 4th. Carpenters' work in refitting the choir, new 
 
 pulpit, litany desk, &c £2,720 
 
 5th. Restoration of mason's work in the exterior of 
 the east end of the Lady Chapel, and repairing 
 and restoring the whole of the interior £2,530 
 
 £16,134 
 To this should be added, for Architect's \* centage... .soil 
 
 For his expenses when at Hereford 100 
 
 Clerk of the works, 50*. per week, for (say) three 
 
 years 390 
 
 Working foreman of masons 250 
 
 £ 17,074 
 
 I will venture to name £20,000 as the sum required, in 
 order to extend it to such a scope as might fairly be ex- 
 pected to cover all extras, as the littings. cushions, and such 
 
53 
 
 things, not included in the estimates, especially the replacing 
 of the organ itself, which is a matter of considerable im- 
 portance, if not of difficulty: it will be highly satisfactory to 
 the meeting to know that the Architect has assured the 
 Chapter, that with the exception of the possible necessity for 
 needle shoring in the tower, his estimates are calculated to 
 cover every cost which might be incurred by any contingency 
 arising from a discovery of a more defective state of the piers 
 than has been already ascertained ; that he has been in com- 
 munication with builders and others, of known respectability, 
 who have gone into his calculations upon his specifications 
 and estimates, and that they were so satisfied with their 
 accuracy, that they had professed their readiness to undertake 
 contracts, and to give approved security for completing the 
 work upon that basis. 
 
 It will now be my duty in the fourth place to shew what 
 means the Cathedral possesses to meet the requisite outlay. 
 
 What is termed the fabric fund arises from a certain estate, 
 at Shinfield in Berkshire, with the great tithes of that parish, 
 the origin of which has already been explained. From this 
 source an annual reserved rent of £568 5s. lOd. is supplied, 
 besides the septennial fine upon the renewal of the lease, the 
 amount of which is of course diminished by the magnitude 
 of the annual rent ; in addition to this there are other minor 
 sums arising from similar sources, and from charges for burials 
 in and about the Cathedral, and the erection of monuments. 
 
54 
 
 amounting on the average of the last seven years, to £53 
 12*. 2d., making together, annually, £621 18s. applicable to 
 the sustentation of the fabric ; but upon this fund there is 
 unfortunately a debt of £9,244, which originated in the 
 expenditure caused by the fall of the western tower in 1786, 
 and the subsequent outlay on the nave and different portions 
 of the Church under the superintendence of Mr. Wyatt. The 
 interest annually payable on this account was £396 16s. 3d., 
 leaving only £225 Is. 9d. available for the numerous require- 
 ments of a building of such extent and antiquity as that to 
 which these inadequate funds belong. The whole of the 
 remaining sum of £225 Is. 9d. is, of necessity, expended 
 annually in the repairs of the leads, windows, and walls, and 
 on such other objects in connection with the Cathedral, as are 
 specially directed and sanctioned by the statutes. I am aware 
 that it has been assumed that from this source, the chancels 
 of those Churches which belong to the Cathedral and the rec- 
 torial tithes of which are not under lease, are kept in repair; 
 such repairs might indeed not improperly be classed under the 
 head of fabric repairs, and at an earlier period it is probable 
 that such expenditure was so provided for, but it is hardly 
 necessary to remark that such is utterly impossible at present, 
 for the fabric fund is itself inadequate to meet the requirements 
 of the mother Church, as will be sufficiently proved by tho 
 fact, which each annual audit manifests, — and to such an ex- 
 tent, that during the ten years in which I have held the office 
 
55 
 
 of Dean, it has been requisite that the sum of £ 1,1 49 ?.<<. O^d. 
 should be contributed from the divisible funds of the Dean and 
 Chapter, to meet that very deficiency, arising not from the 
 pressure of unforeseen emergencies which must of course entail 
 special and correspondent supplies, but from the ordinary, and 
 necessary requirements of the fabric. In addition to this, it is 
 not foreign to the purpose to declare, that the Dean and Chapter 
 have never in latter years received any fine on their capitular 
 estates without deducting five per cent., to be appropriated to- 
 wards the formation of a sinking fund for the gradual liquida- 
 tion of the fabric debt, and I have the satisfaction to be 
 enabled to state that not only has that incumbrance, not been 
 increased during my incumbency, but materially reduced, and 
 during the last year a sum of £600 has been paid off. But, 
 let it not be thought that these constitute the only costs which 
 are defrayed from the general resources of the Cathedral body, 
 and which have prior claim to any advantages which any 
 member of that body either could, or would be desirous to 
 plead. — Under the denomination of claviger's expenditure and 
 accounts, an outlay of at least £600 is annually incurred, and 
 to provide for this, it is no uncommon thing to find that con- 
 siderable sacrifice must be made from their private resources, 
 in short, that whatever expenditure is incurred upon or in 
 connection with the Cathedral, is, in the present condition of 
 the fabric fund, so much deducted from the emoluments to 
 which each member of Chapter would otherwise be entitled. — 
 
I am not, be it remembered, making this statement in any 
 spirit of boasting, nor indeed had we been required to do 
 much more, should I have deemed it more than it was our 
 duty to do, — it is in order to lay before you the fair and un- 
 disguised state of the case, and to prove to you, I trust I may 
 be excused if I do avow a satisfaction in being enabled to 
 prove, that my Reverend brethren in common with myself are 
 entitled to some consideration, some just pretension, to be re- 
 garded as honest towards their Cathedral, — as being desirous 
 of discharging faithfully the honourable but onerous responsi- 
 bility which attaches to them, of bearing their fair share of 
 the burden, as well as the distinction of their office, as pro- 
 ducing no discreditable account of their stewardship at this 
 emergency. — Nor may I in justice to the establishment to 
 which we belong, and to the benevolent system of which it is 
 an important and influential portion, shrink from the declara- 
 tion of facts, which cannot but manifest the interest which a 
 Christian people largely share in the support and sustentation 
 of such Institutions, and especially those who are more imme- 
 diately located under the shadow of its walls. I would pass 
 over the diffusion of its temporalities by the residence of its 
 members, each for a considerable portion of the year, and the 
 consequent advantages which are afforded without cost, by the 
 daily service of the sanctuary, and the superintendence of its 
 ministers, the succession of sound orthodox instruction, and the 
 influence of example, which may justly be expected from those 
 
who are distinguished by their elevation to such stations, — 1 
 would hope that these are appreciated, that they will be more 
 and more felt and duly and practically acknowledged; but I 
 may give some evidence of particular results which have accrued 
 to this neighbourhood during the last year, and I am sure my 
 hearers will admit, that pressed as we have been by the ad- 
 verse circumstances of our Church, perhaps I might say too 
 of the times, as affecting Church property — we have not been 
 backward to afford to others a specimen of that benevolence 
 which we have now occasion to look for in return. In ad- 
 dition to those calls, neither few nor light, which are made 
 from extraneous quarters on those of our profession, and are 
 responded to in the individual capacity of each — The Diocesan 
 Church Building Society, has derived £100 from us as our 
 corporate contribution, besides our single subscriptions — The 
 Churches of St. Martin, St. Nicholas, St. Weonards, Llangarren, 
 and Sellack, have each received a contribution of £20 during 
 the last year. The chancels of Hentland, Madley, and Llan- 
 garren, have called for considerable outlay in their repair, and 
 all those which are similarly situated have equal claims ; whilst 
 there is not a local charity in this city to which the church- 
 man can be expected to contribute, which does not find a 
 ready and extended support from our means, over and above 
 the casual aid which we may give to those frequent appeals 
 which in this age of beneficence are made to Christian piety 
 and liberalitv. 
 
58 
 
 It will not, I think, be deemed irrelevant to this part of 
 my subject, if I add, that no slight corroboration of the asser- 
 tions I have made, nor feeble evidence of tho spirit and object 
 of our endeavours is afforded, by the recollection that the tran- 
 sit of five or six years have witnessed the removal of one of 
 the most unsightly appendages to the Cathedral, — I mean the 
 brick building which was unfortunately erected on the site of 
 the western range of the cloisters ; the repair of the remaining 
 portion of those cloisters, and entrance to the chapter house ; 
 the rebuilding of the Cathedral school-room, and the great im- 
 provement of tho head master's house ; with other embellish- 
 ments in tho Cathedral itself as well as its precincts, which 
 had for their object to remove the miserable effect of the 
 square panelled pews and organ loft, and to assimilate them 
 as far as possible in style with the stalls, to which they were 
 attached. But not to dwell longer on this part of the subject, 
 I will take leave to pass on to that which stands next in 
 order, the announcement of the contributions of those who 
 are members of the Cathedral : I should not do justice to 
 the purpose and the feeling of my Reverend brethren if I did 
 not take this opportunity of declaring it to bo my entire con- 
 viction, that those contributions were made with the view of 
 promoting the sound and complete restoration of those parts 
 of tho Cathedral which have been already specified, — not of 
 merely mending or patching them up ; and I wish to declare 
 unequivocally that it is with this especial purpose that I have 
 
59 
 
 ventured to increase ray own amount of contribution to £.500. 
 The list which I have the gratification to lay before you is as 
 follows, with reference to which, it is but just to remark that 
 there is only one member of the prebendal body whose decision 
 has not yet been received, that there are five prebendal stalls 
 at present vacant, and that one honorary prebendary has sub- 
 scribed in the general list. 
 
 £ 
 
 The Lord Bishop 500 
 
 The Dean and Chapter 2000 
 
 The Very Rev. the Dean, to make up £.500 as his 
 
 contribution 16.9 
 
 The Chancellor of the Choir, Canon Morgan 100 
 
 The Precentor 50 
 
 The Treasurer, subscribes as Canon Residentiary — 
 
 The Venerable Archdeacon Wetherell, (Hereford) ... 150 
 
 The Venerable Archdeacon Vickers (Salop) 25 
 
 The Worshipful Waties Corbett, Chancellor of Diocese 
 
 and Prebendary 150 
 
 The Rev. Robert Wetherell, Senior Prebendary 150 
 
 The Very Rev. the Dean of St. Asaph, Prebendary ... 400 
 
 The Rev. John Hopton, Prebendary 200 
 
 The Hon. and Rev. Jas. Somers Cocks, Prebendary ... 100 
 
 The Hon. and Rev. Henry Rodney, Prebendary 50 
 
 The Rev. Jas. Wetherell, Prebendary 50 
 
 The Rev. K. E. Money, Prebendary 50 
 
6 (J 
 
 The Rev. -James Johnson, Prebendary 
 
 The Rev. John Glutton, Prebendary 
 
 The Rev. Charles Taylor, Prebendary 
 
 The Rev. James Garbett, Prebendary 
 
 The Rev. H. Hoskins, Prebendary 
 
 The Hon. and Rev. R. B. Stopford, Prebendary 
 
 The Rev. C. Swainson, Prebendary 
 
 The Rev. H. Lee, Prebendary 
 
 The Rev. R. Biscoe, Prebendary 
 
 The Gustos and Vicars 
 
 John Hunt, Esq. Organist 
 
 The Rev. Thomas Gretton, Vicar Choral and Vicar of 
 
 Pipe (three instalments) ... ^. 
 
 The Rev. William Cooke (late Vicar Choral), Vicar of 
 
 Bromyard 
 
 The Rev. Edward Howells, Vicar Choral, Vicar of 
 
 Preston, £o a year till work completed, say 3 years 
 The Rev. William Munsey, Vicar Choral, Vicar of 
 
 Fownhope, £5 a year till work completed, say 3 years 
 The Rev. Richd. Wetherell, Joint Registrar of Deanery 
 
 The Verger 
 
 The Sextons 
 
 The Choristers 
 
 £ 
 50 
 50 
 50 
 100 
 15 
 50 
 50 
 
 5 
 100 
 
 50 
 
 30 
 
 25 
 
 15 
 
 15 
 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 £477 J 
 
fil 
 
 It only now remains to complete the plan which I proposed 
 to myself in the delivery of this statement, by pointing out 
 the sources from which it is hoped that the residue of requi- 
 site funds may be obtained. It has already been shewn how 
 burdened are the fabric funds, how slender at best they are 
 for the purpose of supplying a sufficient means of keeping in 
 repair, much less of restoring to its proper beauty so extensive 
 a building, — it has been declared that the members of the 
 Cathedral, with the Bishop at their head, have contributed, I 
 trust it is admitted, with no niggardly reserve, and it is wor- 
 thy of remark that such contribution was the result of a con- 
 sultation to which every member of the body was invited, at 
 which the Bishop was present, and the entire circumstances of 
 the case fully detailed and deliberated upon, — it has been felt 
 that it became the Cathedral Clergy to set the example, and 
 it is not doubted that after that has been done, an appeal 
 will be successfully made to the community at large, upon the 
 principles and motives of Christian liberality, for the support 
 and appropriate ornament of this venerable temple of God, 
 to the church communicants of the diocese first, and then, to 
 this whole Christian land — to all who appreciating the sacred- 
 ness of the purpose, and the worthiness of the object, may be 
 ready to contribute " with a willing heart," not less with a 
 reference to the pious dedication of their means to the service 
 of Almighty God who bestows them, than to the sustentation 
 of this edifice, which, over and above the considerations of 
 
62 
 
 religion though pre-eminently stringent in themselves, is with 
 others, which justly elicit the admiration and pride of our 
 countrymen, most deserving of such aid, as a noblo work of 
 art, a monument of consummate skill, and a worthy example 
 of Christian liberality and disinterested piety. Such then is 
 the object of this day's assembly. — We lay before you our 
 case, and we feel confident that your esteem for our sacred 
 religion, and your attachment to our Church, will induce you 
 to stand forward with effectual succour in this hour of unfore- 
 seen but pressing need : — I am well aware, indeed, that the 
 constitution of a corporate body makes the Dean and Chapter 
 the responsible parties in the execution of the works which 
 shall be determined upon ; but it has been suggested that it 
 might tend to much satisfaction in the public mind if trustees 
 unconnected with that body were appointed, to receive the 
 funds which shall be contributed, and to supply them as they 
 may be required, — to this arrangement, no objection will be 
 offered ; whilst I would also propose, in order to cause as little 
 inconvenience as possible to our kind benefactors, that their 
 contributions, should any wish to avail themselves of the plan, 
 should be paid by three instalments, as the works will bo per- 
 formed probably in three portions, and will occupy a period 
 of at least three years, — in addition to which it has been also 
 thought advisable to associate with the Dean and Chapter for 
 their aid and counsel, a committee, the powers of which will 
 be defined in the resolution to be submitted for its appointment, 
 
of which the capitular body shall be ex-ofticio members, and 
 which shall be open to all subscribers of £20 and upwards, 
 thus affording ample opportunity for investigation of the pro- 
 ceedings to be adopted, and a moral security for the due 
 appropriation and safe custody of the funds. 
 
 The great length to which this statement has already been 
 extended admonishes me of the necessity of confining my re- 
 marks in conclusion, within the smallest compass, — but feeling 
 as I do, and not merely as a matter of bounden duty, a deep 
 interest in this venerable fabric, — a Cathedral, to which as its 
 chief guardian I cannot but be attached, from my station in 
 it, I humbly trust that its cause has not been injured by the 
 feeble advocacy which peculiar circumstances beyond my con- 
 trol have tended to render less efficient than it might in other 
 hands have been. This I confidently trust at least I have 
 now effected : — I have laid before you, and through you — tho 
 Christian public, generally, as clearly and satisfactorily as I 
 could, the real, honest, and faithful description of the precise 
 state and condition of this sacred edifice. — If personal entreaty, 
 as its Dean, can have any weight, I do beseech you let the 
 sacred principle on which I have based my appeal, have its 
 perfect work. — I ask not of you what I am not ready and 
 zealous to do myself, — I can sincerely aver that I have ever 
 looked upon my connection with this Cathedral Church as a 
 matter of trust, — I have over been ready to sacrifice self con- 
 siderations cheerfully, to make it what it ought to be, — I have 
 
64 
 
 already made sacrifices for its sake, perhaps more, and greater 
 than might ever appear, and I am ready to do so again, to 
 the utmost of my ability ; but anxious, deeply anxious as I 
 am to see it restored to its appropriate and pristine beauty, 
 to be worthy of the sacred purpose for which it should be 
 employed to the latest posterity, — my feelings, as they apply 
 to my own particular interests, and the personal concern and 
 gratification I may enjoy in such accomplishment of my wishes, 
 are limited and confined to the lifehold tenure, the transient 
 and evanescent concern which I and those belonging to me 
 share in these things — they must end with my life ; they are 
 of necessity as nothing in comparison to the feelings, the per- 
 manent and real interest, in which the proprietors of the soil 
 in this city and county, and diocese of Hereford, are entitled 
 to participate, surely must, and doubtless will experience in 
 its preservation. — The probability is, that this frame will rest 
 within those walls, these bones crumble beneath its roof, and 
 mingle with the dust of my departed predecessors, and it is a 
 weakness not unpardonable, I trust, nor unbecoming of the 
 hopes and privileges of our order, if I avow some inward satis- 
 faction at that thought, — the cordial concern I have felt at 
 the too palpable neglect, the desecrations, the sad deformities 
 which in earlier days havo been permitted to remain unheeded 
 and unreclaimed in this our sanctuary, and still are traceable ; 
 the humble efforts I have made, and not in vain, to meliorate 
 its condition and the tone of feeling towards it, naturally 
 
a: 
 
 prompt a wish, that whatever be mv fate, here may be my 
 final resting place, and this the monument of my unworthy 
 but unfeigned service ; nay there is another cause, which has 
 but recently supplied, a secondary perhaps, but not a cold or 
 fleeting tie of attachment to this loved and venerated building: 
 but when your sons, and son's sons, shall tread these courts 
 of the Lord's house, and mark the spot where then shall my 
 remains be crumbling with their kindred dust ; oh, I do hope, 
 and trust, that I have precluded the possibility of their com- 
 plaint, their accusation that I had been supine and listless, 
 deficient in my bounden endeavours to have justice done to 
 such a monument of early piety and splendid liberality ; I trust 
 it never can be said, that it was through my culpable neglect 
 and apathy, that at this golden opportunity, a sound and 
 proper restoration had not been effected ! — I will not trespass 
 longer on your attention, I feel how much I am indebted to 
 you for your patience, and I gratefully hail it, as a delightful 
 presage of the interest you take in the objects of this meeting. 
 I cordially and sincerely thank you, and now I leave the 
 result in your hands, — to the disposal of Him, to the honour 
 and Glory of whose great name, and the highest blessings of 
 yourselves, and all who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity, I 
 most fervently pray it may continually redound. 
 
 END OF THE STATEMENT. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 Effigy on the north sule of the Library, Hereford Cathedral, 
 called the Countess of Hereford. 
 
 The Effigies in the Library or Lady Chapel at Hereford 
 have been assigned by a tradition, for which no evidence can 
 be adduced, to Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford, who 
 died in the 46th year of the reign of Edw. III. 1372, and 
 Joan his Countess. They were, however, buried in the north 
 side of the Presbytery in Walden Abbey, Essex, and it is 
 perfectly clear that the tradition in this instance is unfounded. 
 The Knight, whose Effigy is here to be seen, was in all pro- 
 bability one of the Bohun family, and husband of the Lady 
 whose Effigy lies under an arch in the wall adjoining ; but to 
 which of the Bohuns it is to be assigned, remains yet to be 
 ascertained — the costume is of the earlier part of the four- 
 teenth century. 
 
 K 
 
68 
 
 The Effigy of the Lady, there can be scarcely a doubt 
 represents " Johanna de Bohoun, Domina de Kilpec" she was 
 the sister and heiress of Alan Plonknett or Plugenct, of 
 Kilpec, in the County of Hereford, a name distinguished in 
 the annals of his times ; and of his possessions, his sister 
 doing her homage, had livery 19 Edw. II. 
 
 In 1327 Johanna de Bohoun gave to the Dean and Chapter 
 of Hereford, the church of Lugwardyne, with the chapels of 
 Llangarrcn, St. Waynards and Henthland, with all the small 
 chapels belonging to them, which donation was confirmed by 
 the King, by the procurement and diligence of Thos. de 
 Chandos, Archdeacon of Hereford; and the Bishop of Hereford 
 further confirmed it to the Dean and Chapter, by deed, dated 
 Sugwas, 22 July, 1331. (ex Regist. MS. Thomse Chorleton, EpT.) 
 And afterwards the Bishop, Dean, and Chapter, appropriated 
 the revenues of it to the service peculiar to the Virgin Mary, 
 " because in other churches in England the Mother of God 
 " had better and more serious service, but in the church of 
 " Hereford the Ladyc's sustenance for her prieste was so thinne 
 "and small, that out of their respect they add this, by their 
 "deeds, dated in the Chapter at Hereford, Apr. 10, 1333." 
 (Ilarl. MS. 6726, fol. 109.) 
 
 Johanna de Bohoun died without issue, 1 Edw. III., 1327, 
 tho donation of Lugwardyne being perhaps her dying bequest. 
 On the 17th of October in that year, she constituted John de 
 Badesshawe, her attorney, to give possession to the Dean and 
 
69 
 
 Chapter of an acre of land in Lugwardiue, and the advowson 
 of the church with the chapels pertaining to it. This instru- 
 ment was dated at Bisseleye, and her seal 
 was appended, of which a sketch is pre- 
 served by Taylor, in whose possession this 
 document appears to have been in 1655. (?) 
 and a transcript of it will be found Harl. 
 MS. 6868, f. 77, (see also 6726, f. 109, 
 which last has been printed in Shaw's Topographer, 1. 280.) 
 In the Tower is preserved the Patent, 1 Edw. III., pro 
 Ecclesia de Lugwarden cum capellis donandis a Johanna de 
 Bohun ad inveniendum 8 capellanos et 2 diaconos appropri- 
 anda. (Tanner's Notitia Monast.) 
 
 The circumstances above mentioned appear sufficiently to 
 explain why the memorial of Johanna de Bohoun is found in 
 the Lady Chapel, to which specially she had been a benefac- 
 tress. They also explain the original ornaments of this Tomb, 
 the painting which was to be seen not many years since 
 under the arch in which the Effigy lies, now unfortunately 
 concealed by a coat of plaster, of which sufficient has been 
 removed to prove that Gough's description of the original 
 state of the painting is correct. He says, " the Virgin is repre- 
 " sented sitting, crowned with a nimbus ; a Lady habited in a 
 " mantle and wimple, kneeling on an embroidered cushion offers 
 "to her a church, built in the form of a cross, with a central 
 " spire — and behind the Lady kneel eleven or twelve religious, 
 
70 
 
 "chanting a gorge deployee after the foremost, who holds up 
 "a book, on which are seen musical notes, and $&lb£ 0(A 
 "Pflt£lt0» Fleur de lys are painted about both within and 
 "without this arch, and on the spandrils two shields; on the 
 "left, a bend cotised between twelve Lioncels ; (Bohun.) and 
 "on the right, Ermines, a bend indented, Gules." This 
 description was published 1786. (Gough's Sep. Mon. 1. part 
 1, 194.) 
 
 By this painting there can be no doubt that the donation 
 of the church of Lugwardine was represented — the eleven or 
 twelve vociferous choristers were the eight chaplains and two 
 deacons mentioned in the Patent, who were set apart for the 
 peculiar service of the Lady Chapel, and provided for from 
 the pious bequest of Johanna de Bohun. The two shields 
 mentioned by Gough are still discernible, that on the dexter 
 side bearing the arms of Bohun, Azure a bend, Argent 
 between two cotises, and six lions rampant, or. — The other, 
 Ermines, a bend indented, (or fusily) Gules, which were the 
 bearings of Plugenet, derived perhaps originally from the 
 earlier Barons of Kilpec, and still borne by the family of 
 Pye, in Herefordshire, whose descent is traced to the same 
 source. 
 
 In the list of obits observed in Hereford Cathedral, Johanna 
 is called the Lady Kilpeck, and out of Lugwardine was paid 
 yearly, for her obit, forty pence. 
 
71 
 
 The following, which is a Copy of a curious document of the 
 year 1320, throws considerable light on the state of the 
 
 fabric at that period. 
 Universis sanctse matris ecclesia? filiis, ad quorum notitiam 
 pervenerit hoec scriptura. Rogerus permissione clivina Sares- 
 buroiy Episcopus Salutem in eo quein peperit uterus virginalis. 
 Litteras Apostolicas cum filo serico et vera bulla plumbea. 
 bullatas in nulla sui parte corruptas inspeximus, tenorem qui 
 scquitur continentes. Johannes Episcopus servus servorum 
 Dei, dilectis filiis Decano ct Capitulo ecclesiao Herefordensis 
 salutem et apostolicam benedictionem. Personas vestras devotio- 
 nis vestrae meritis exigentibus paterna benevolentia persequen- 
 tes, petitionibus vestris libenter annuimus, easque quantum cum 
 Deo possumus favorabiliter exaudimus, exbibita siquidein nobis 
 vestra petitio continebat, quod vos olim fabricam ecclesiw Here- 
 fordensis instaurare volentes, super fundamentum antiquum 
 quod judicio ccnumta riorum, seu Architectorum, qui in arte sua 
 reputabantur periti, Jirmum et solidum putabatur, multa ad 
 decorem domus Dei superedificari fecistis opcre sumptuoso, in 
 quorum constructione vu/inti millia marcarum sterlinyorum et 
 amplius consumpsistis, et quia propter debilitatem fundamenti 
 pjrasdicti, quod superedijicatum est tantam nunc minatur ruinam 
 quod judicio simili aliud remedium adhiberi non potest, nisi 
 predicts ccclesioe fabrica a fundamento totaliter innovctur ; 
 propter quae et expensas etiam factas per cos in prosecution! 
 Canonh alio nis bonne memoriae Thomce de Cantilupo^ Episcopi 
 
72 
 
 Hercfordensis, variii premimini oneribus debitorum. Nos pa- 
 terno vobis super hiis compatientes affectu, ac volentes prop- 
 terea vobis de alicujus subventionis subsidio providcro, paro- 
 cbialem ecclcsiam de Shenyngfeld in qua jus Patronatus prc- 
 ponitis vos habere, cujusque redditus viginti librarum sterling- 
 arum secundum taxationem, decimse valorem annuum non ex- 
 cedunt cum capella de Swalefcld dependente ab ea Sarum Dio- 
 cesis aliisque juribus et pertinentiis suis, vobis et ecclesise 
 vestraa in usus fabricae ejusdem ecclesise Herefordensis, fabrica 
 ipsa durante, postmodum vero pro aliis ejusdem ecclesia? Here- 
 fordonsis necessitatibus faciliiis supportandis, dummodo, ut 
 asseritis, jus patronatus habeatis in ea, in usus proprios Apos- 
 tolica. auctoritate concedimus, ac etiam deputamus. Ita quod 
 cedente vcl decedento ecclesia? predictae Rectore liceat vobis 
 corporalem possessionem ipsius ecclesiee recipere, cujusquam 
 assensu minime requisito, eamque in dictos usus permisso or- 
 dine retinere, reservata tamen de fructibus ipsius, per loci 
 Diocesamum, perpetuo vicario in dicta ecclesia servituro con- 
 grua portione, ex qua valeat congrue sustentari, et incumbentia 
 sibi onera supportare : non obstante, si aliqui super provisio- 
 nibus sibi faciendis do his ecclesiis in eadem diocesi, speciales 
 vel de beneficiis ecclesiasticis in illis partibus generales Apos- 
 tolical eedis vel legatorum ejus literas impetrarint, etiamsi per 
 eas ad inhibitionem, reservationem, et decretum, vel alias quo- 
 modolibet sic procossum, quibus omnibus quoad assecutionem 
 aliarum ecclesiarum et benehciorum nolumus projudicium gene- 
 
73 
 
 rari, sen si venorabili fratri nostro Episcopo Sarum, vel quibus- 
 cunque aliis conjunctim, vel divisim ab eadcm sacra sede in- 
 dultum, quod ad receptionem vel provisionem alicujus, minime 
 teneantur, et ad id compelli, seu quod interdici, suspendi, vel 
 excommunicari non possint, quodque de his ecclesiis aliisque 
 beneficiis ecclesiasticis ad eorum provisionem, seu quamvis aliam 
 dispositionem conjunctim vel separatim spectantibus nulli valeat 
 providere per literas Apostolicas non facientes plenam et ex- 
 pressam, ac de verbo ad verbum de indulto his mentionem, et 
 qualibet alia dicta? sedis indulgentia generali vel speciali cujus- 
 cumque tenoris existat, per quam presentibus non expressam 
 vel totaliter non insertam effectus presentium impediri valeat 
 quomodolibet, vel differri, et de qua cujusque toto tenore debeat 
 in nostris literis fieri mentio specialis. Nulli ergo omnium 
 hominum liceat hanc paginam nostra? concessionis et deputati- 
 onis infringere vel ei ausu temerario contraire. Si quis antem 
 hoc attemptare presumpserit indignationem ommnipotentis Dei, 
 et beatorum Petri et Pauli Apostolorum ejus se noverit incur- 
 surum. Datum Avinionise VII Kalendarum Februarii Pontifi- 
 catus nostri anno quarto. Nos igitur specialis devocionis affec- 
 tum ad beatum Thomam Confessorem, cujus venerandse reliquia? 
 in dicta Herefordensi Ecclesia continentur habentes, prefatis 
 concessioni et deputationi nostrum impartimur assensum, volen- 
 tes et concedentes pro nobis et successoribus nostris ut vene- 
 rabiles viri, Decanus et capitulum supradicti corporalem pos- 
 sessiorem dicta? ecclesise de Shenyngfeld cum capella de Swale- 
 
74 
 
 feld dependente ab ea recipere valoant, et in usus predictos 
 perpetuis et futuris temporibus possidere secundum predictarum 
 literarum apoBtolicarum exigcntiam et cffectnm, salva nobis, 
 successoribus nostris ac Decano et capitulo ecclesia? nostras pre- 
 dicta- annua pensione dimidii marcsB bona 1 et legalis monetae 
 quam in recompensationem fructuum, obventionum, proven- 
 tutim et quorumcunque emolumentorum qua? nos et successores 
 nostri sede Sarum plena, ac Decanus et loci capitulum eadem 
 sedo vacante, ratione et tempore vacationi.s dicta? ecclesia? de 
 Shenyngfeld cum capella predicta virtuto antiqui pra?scripti 
 et approbata? consuetudinis in nostra predicta dioccsi et hac- 
 tenus pacifice observatae possemus futuris temporibus et etiam 
 deberemus percipere si concessio et dcputatio facta? non essent 
 predicta?, ordinavimus et tenore presentium ordinamus de con- 
 sensu et voluntate venerabilis patris Domini Ada? Dei Gratia 
 Episcopi Ilerefordensis et loci capituli, et etiam tcnentis 
 locum Decani et Capituli ccclesiae nostrae Sarum de portioni- 
 bus vicarii dictae ecclesia? de Shenyngfeld, qui pro tempore 
 fuerit, qui co pra?textu in tanto uberiores existant, et per 
 eundem Vicarium Canonico communario ecclesia? nostra? 
 Sarum qui pro tempore fuerit et per eum pueris choristis 
 ejusdem ecclesia? in subsidium sustentationis eorum in festo 
 Annunciationis Domina? in perpctuum annis singulis persol- 
 vendum. Et ad sccuritatcm facienda? hujusmodi solutionis 
 majorem, volumus et etiam ordinamus de consensu venerabilis 
 patris domini Episcopi Ilerefordensis predicti ac tenentis 
 
75 
 
 Locum dicti Decani et Capitulorum predictorum quod vicarius 
 ecclesise de Shcnyngfeld et sui successores in eadem statim cum 
 instituti fuerint in vicaria predicta prcstont inspectis evangeliis 
 juramentum quod fidelitu solvent annuatim pensionein predic- 
 tam prout superius ordinatur. In quorum omnium testimonium 
 atque fidem nos Episcopi supradicti presentes literas sigillorum 
 nostrorum impressione communiri fecimus et etiam duplicari 
 quarum unam penes Capitulum ecclesise Sarum, et aliam penes 
 Capitnlum ecclesise Herefordensis volumus remanere. Datum 
 et Actum apud Sonnynggt iij nonarum Novembris anno Domi- 
 ni millimo trecentisimo vicesimo, presentibus dominis et magis- 
 tris Nicholao Abbate Radyngg, Henrico Goher juris civilis 
 professore, Willielmo de Selton Officiali Sarum, Thoma Talbot 
 Rectore Ecclesias de Laxefeld, Norwicensis Diocesis, Roberto de 
 Worthe Subdecano Sarum, Adam de Ayllyneton Rectore Eccle- 
 siae de Mordiford Herefordensis Diocesis, Jobanne de Tarenta 
 Archidiacono Sarum, Officiali Hugone de Knossyngton, Rectore 
 Ecclesiae de Gildene Morton, Vincentio de Tarenta, Ricardo de 
 Estenore Notariis testibus ad prcemissa vocatis specialiter et 
 rogatis. 
 
 To this instrument two beautiful seals of Bishops, Roger le 
 Poer, of Sarum, and Adam de Orleton, of Hereford, are ap- 
 pended. 
 
76 
 
 i'lie sabjoined list of documents relating to the fabric appears 
 in an ancient catalogue, but the documents themselves have 
 not yet been found, — they may not improbably have fallen 
 into the Hands of Captain Silas Taylor, of the republican army, 
 who, after the siege of Hereford, took away many documents 
 from the archives of the Cathedral. — He had a taste for anti- 
 quarian research, and was the means, possibly, of preserving 
 many documents which would otherwise have been destroyed. 
 1 282. — John, Archbishop of Canterbury, gives indulgence of 
 seventy days to him who should give forty days work 
 to the fabric. 
 1286. — Bishop of Rochester — indulgence to pray for St. Thomas 
 
 do Cantilupe. 
 1289. — Bishop of Sarum — the same. 
 
 1316. — The King (Edward III.) grants his brief over all 
 
 England and Wales — super negotio subsidii ad Fere- 
 
 trum St. Thomae et Ecclesiae Herefordensis. 
 
 1319. — John do Aqua Blanea's will, in which he desires to bo 
 
 buried near his undo Bishop Peter de Aquablanca, 
 
 who lies buried under a beautiful canopied monument 
 
 in the arch between the north aisle of the choir and 
 
 the north transept, which contains the shrine of St. 
 
 Thomas, " in novo opere." 
 
 1319. — Petition of the Doan and Chapter for Shinfield and 
 
 Swallowfield, in Berkshire, for the Church was rtjinosa. 
 
 1319.— The Pope's Grant by Bull fourth year of John XXII. 
 
1320. — Pope John XXII, obliges all the prebendaries to con- 
 tribute to tho repairs of the fabric. 
 1320. — Grants indulgence in usum fabricte. 
 1320. — Archbishop Walter's Brief for translating the remains 
 of St. Thomas de Cantilupe from the Ladye Chapel 
 to the new work of the north transept. 
 1323. — Sequestration of John de Ross in usum fabricso. 
 1329. — Shiufield lease renewed by order of the Pope, on an 
 advanced rent, in consideration of the ruinous state of 
 the fabric. 
 1360. — John de Evesham, mason, enters into indentures for 
 
 doing the work of the fabric. 
 1364. — Thos. de Cantabrag, another mason, enters into the like. 
 Subjoined are notices and inscriptions on monuments com- 
 memorative of Bishops, by whose exertions the fabric of the 
 Church has been from time to time benefitted. To them might 
 be added that of Bishop Bisse, in 1717, by whose munificence, 
 but misdirected taste, the Grecian screen of oak was erected 
 at the east end of the choir, in which he was aided by Dean 
 Tyler, Bishop of Llandaff. 
 
 IDmi* l&oficrtu* tie Uotfjmnga, ISpug* ffltvtt* 
 
 <THmt. 3U23* $&X<£VWk* Ho rebuilt the greater portion 
 of the Church of Athelstan. 
 
 13iiu0 tfUpttrlmu*, 12pu0. 3#errf. gffltit sa.23. 
 
 jfH dtXV* He completed the design of his predecessor, Bp. 
 Lotheringa. 
 
78 
 
 There is a figure of ;i Bishop, bearing a tower in one hand, 
 sii<l to represent Egidius de Breusa, or de Braos, — but there 
 is no inscription connected with it — he died 1216. (Sec 
 page 84.)* 
 
 l&icreauiracit tomeratnlt* pater ©uliclmu* tic 
 Fe re, £ttenue xtxit gpattum XXX amti*, ft multa 
 etiificta rgrrgta per epattum coujJtruxit, rt itMtu 
 ter obiit. IV Mai. Vanuatu, anno Bomtm mil* 
 Icsimo ccntestmo nonogmmo oetabo. 
 
 Bishop Adam de Orleton, obiit 1345, whose seal is attached 
 to the instrument relating to the fabric before given, was he 
 who wrote the letter to the Lord Maltravers and Thomas 
 Gurney, relating to King Edw. II., a prisoner in Berkeley 
 Castle, ending "Edwardum occidere nolite timere bonum est." 
 
 Bnw Uufcofctcu* Charlton, iSpua, ftettl <©iutt 
 
 &. 23* j*l (MiEiUflPS. Built the White Cross, one mile 
 from Hereford on the Hay road. 
 Audcley, 1495. (See page 83.)** 
 
 (ffarolua iSootf), iSpiacopu* fUereforfccnaij*, rum 
 xbiti amtoa to mtntt* ft totilrcm meg, mlma- 
 fjuic rum lattUr prefuiaaet, amnto %i C jaaii 
 ffimXXXV tic functus 0ut> f)oc tutttulo $epultu0 
 
 faCCt* He erected the porch on the north side of the nave. 
 

80 
 
 The subjoined extracts are taken from the calendar of an 
 ancient Missal " Secundum usum Herefordensem," which notes 
 a great variety of "obiits" or commemorations of benefactors, 
 principally between the times of Henry I. and Edw. II., ex- 
 cept some few which are added by a later hand. — Those here 
 given, except the first, relate to grants made to the fabric, as 
 a few specimens amongst many, of the spirit which prevailed 
 at that time, — but it should not be omitted to be stated that 
 besides these, a vast multitude of grants of lands, and rent 
 charges, are recorded in the same document, and in innumera- 
 ble others, which however, are no longer available to the 
 Church, or at least very few of them indeed; they are now 
 enjoyed by lay possessors, although by what means they were 
 alienated from the Church, is not known. Whilst I cordially 
 and gratefully acknowledge the revival of that spirit of giving 
 to the Church, and Church objects, which has of later years 
 received so powerful an impulse, and is pervading the land to 
 its exceeding blessing and honour, I cannot but imagine that 
 these considerations will be deemed interesting, if not affording 
 evidence that contributions of the pious, however disinterestedly 
 and freely made on their part, are in fact, to a great extent, 
 supplied from property which once actually belonged to the 
 Church — before given, and assured as fixedly and firmly as the 
 will of the pious donor and the law could then establish it. "Deo 
 et Ecclesiae, in perpetuam eleemosynam" — and such a reflection 
 will doubtless ensure- a larger measure of aid to the object of 
 this publication. 
 
81 
 
 Jauuarii XVIII. Kalcnd. Febr : Obitus Wulvive et Gadive quae 
 dederunt Hopam, Prestoniam, Pioniam, et Nortonem. 
 et ceteras terras presenti Ecclesiae, &c. 
 
 Martii VI, Id: Obitus Nicholai Penitentiarii Hereford: Canonici 
 qui legavit Fabrice Ecclesiae decern libras et octo 
 marcas ad unura campanam faciendam, &c. &c. 
 
 XVII Kalend. April. Obitus Ade le Bonde de Hinetune, et 
 Sibilke uxoris sui qui dederunt operi bujus Ecclesia? 
 quatuor solidos annui redditus, provenicntis de terra 
 Brun Godrick in Blakemneston, qui jacit inter terrain 
 Hulleroed, et terrain Wilhelrai de Stradeway, &c. 
 
 XV Kalend. Obitus bona? memorie Stephani Decani Heref : 
 qui contulit presenti Ecclesie viginti marcas, &c. &c, 
 item Frabrice Ecclesie decern marcas, <S:c. &c. 
 
 Maii non : Obitus Roberti le Grent Capellani et vicarii Eccle- 
 sia) Heref : qui legavit Fabrice Matris Ecclesie Heref : 
 sex marcas, et majori altari Collectar : misse et unum 
 antiphorum magnum et novum, et unum gradale unum 
 troparium et unum processionale, &c. &e. 
 
 IIII Idus. Obitus Rogeri Capellani quondam subdecani Here- 
 fordensis, qui dedit XII marcas et dimidium Fabric* 
 Ecclesia?. 
 
 II Kalend. Junii. Obitus Magistri Willhelmi de Ha 
 Canonici Ecclesia? de Heref: qui dedit Fabrice E 
 sice decern marcas et XLI solidos annui redditus per- 
 cepiendos de duabus domibus in vied Castri, que jacent 
 
inter tenementum Roberti Mustard, ox parte as 
 
 Johannia de Mora ex altera &c. &c. 
 
 II Non. Obitus Magistri Rogeri tie Boseburi Canonici et 
 
 Penitentiarii Herefordensis Ecclesiae qui legavit Fabric;*- 
 Ecclesiae XI solidos &c. &c. 
 
 VII. Id : Obitus Jobannis de Haya Sacerdotis et vicarii qui 
 contulit presenti Ecclesite unum Calicem argenteum, et 
 unum gradale cum tropario, et unum processionale, 
 et Fabrice ejusdem Ecclesia? quinque marcas argenti, &c. 
 
 XII Kalend. Tertio decimo Kalendarum Julii obiit Magister 
 Petrus de Radenovere Canonicus Herefordensis, qui 
 debit Fabrice Ecclesie, X marcas et unam capam 
 broydatam, &c. &c. 
 
 III Idus Julii. Obitus filii Mauritii Canonici et Sacerdotis et 
 
 Magistri Stepbani de Gurmevil Canonici Hereford : 
 qui contulit operationi Ecclesice antedicte XL Solidos. 
 
 XV Kalend. Augusti. Obitus Wlfrici Canonici, et Fratrum, 
 Sororum et Benefactorum Herefordensis Ecclesise et 
 Simonis Arcbidiaconi Salop. Hie dedit XX marcas 
 Fabrice Ecclesie et XX marcaa ad ornamenta 
 emenda, &c. 
 
 XIV Cal. Obitus Radulfi, filii Helye, et uxoris ejus Rikilde 
 dederunt IIII Solidorum terram; et Ricardi Clerici 
 filii Edmundi Croft, dedit VI denariorum terram, et 
 Magistri Roberti de Ywarbi Pecentoris hujus Ecclesiae, 
 dedit deoreta sua. et V marcas Fabrice Ecclesias 
 
83 
 
 V Kalend. Obitus Magistri Jobannis Colecestre, Canonici 
 
 Herefordensis et Hugonis Sacerdotis de Sancto Martino, 
 qui dedit Capitulo Herefordensi nemus de Clehangre, 
 quod emerat de Waltero Cormail, et unam virgatam 
 terrse quam emerat ab eodem in Bolinghopo, et co- 
 operuit totam Ecclesiam plumbo sumptibus suis 
 propriis, &c. 
 
 XIII Kal. Septembris. Obitus Walleri de Bannebyri Canon : 
 Heref: qui dedit operi Ecclesie XX Solidos, &c. 
 
 X Kal. Obitus Domini Edmundi Audeley, quondam Sarum 
 Episcopi, qui dedit redditum XX Solidorum distribuen- 
 dorum Canonicis et Clericis in anniversario suo pre- 
 sentibus, quique capellam novam juxta Feretrum Sancti 
 Thomae Confessoris e fundo construxit, et in eadem 
 Cantariam perpetuam amortizavit, &c. Constituit nec- 
 non Feretrum argenteum in modum Ecclesise fabrica- 
 tum atque alia quam plurima huic Sacre Edi tontulit 
 beneficia. 
 
 VI Idus. Sept. Obitus Domine Agnetis de la Punde, que 
 contulit Fabrice istius Ecclesie septem marcas et pan- 
 num deauratum. 
 
 Idus. Obitus Magistri Phillippi de Haya, qui legavit Fabrice 
 Ecclesie XXX marcas. 
 
 V Kal. Oct. Obitus Eogeri de Brunchope et Ysabelle uxoris 
 
 sue dederunt redditum duorum Solidorum et operi 
 Ecclesie quadraginta Solidos, et unam casulam bron- 
 
 M 
 
M 
 
 datano de rabeo sarnico pretii decew marcarum, vV 
 
 ot Kicardi filii Ponci ct Jobannis Rocolt et Royse 
 uxoris sue qui dcderunt XII dcnarim-urn terrain et 
 duos dcnarios annui redditus operi Ecelesie, &<•. 
 
 \l l\;il. Xovem. Obitus Alexandri do Swerkfbrd Tbesaurarii 
 London : qui contulit prcsenti Ecelesie unam Biblio- 
 thecam ct operi ejusdem Ecelesie cpiimpic marcaa — et 
 in vita sua excommunicari fecit oninos <jiii dictum 
 lihrum a prcsenti ecclesia alienarent, &c. 
 
 V- K;ilcn<l. Obitua Renelmi Episcopi, fundatoris Ecelesie 
 Sancti Ethelbcrti — over the word Ecelesie ia written 
 Hospitii, in a later band. 
 Obitus Domini Johannis dc Brecon ia Sacerdotie et 
 Vicarii in majori ecclesia Ileref: dedit prediote Ecele- 
 sie unam casukun preciosam de rjibeo samsto bene ben- 
 datam cum auiifragio ; item unam albnm preciosam 
 cum tote apparatu brudato, item unam capam precio- 
 sam de Baudekino, item dedit Fabrice ejusdem Ecele- 
 sie quadraginta solidos. 
 
 XV Kal. Decern. Obitus pie memorie Egidii de Breusa 
 Ilcrefordensis Episcopi. qui inter cetera bona, decunas 
 omnium molendinorum maneriorum suprun Etereford- 
 ensi Ecelesie contulit, et per cartam qnam a I >< «rr» i ti< > 
 Regc Johanne acquisivit mimes homines sni ab exact io- 
 nibus vicecomitum liberantur. 
 is said t<» have built the tower at the west end 
 
 nave which fell in 178G.) 
 
[llustrie Regis Domini Henrici filii Regis Joh: 
 qui libertates istius Ecclesie a suis antecessoribus colla- 
 tas eonfirmavit, et mitram cum Margaritis huic Mo- 
 nasterio contulit prcciosam. 
 
 XV IH Kal. Jan. Obitus Stephani de Hernhulle militi 
 contulit operi hujus Ecclesie XL Solidos. 
 
 XI fl Kal. Obitus Magistri Tbomse Foliot Thesaurarii qui 
 dedit presenti Ecclesie capam viginti t-rium marcarum 
 cum libris et ornamentis Capelle sue, et Canonic is A" 
 marcarum et ad Fabricam Ecclesia; triginta raarcae, 
 
86 
 
 The Nave of the Cathedral Church of Hereford is 124. foet 
 long, by 31 feet 6 inches wide- — before the fall of the western 
 tower in 1786, it was 15 feet longer, the tower having stood 
 upon the two last arches. 
 
 The north and south aisles are each 14 feet 9 inches wide. 
 
 The choir is 95 feet 6 inches long, 34 feet wide, and in- 
 cludes that portion immediately under the central tower, or in 
 other words, the breadth of the transept. 
 
 The north aisle of the choir is 14 feet wide. The south 
 aisle, 13 feet 6 inches. 
 
 The transept between the choir and Lady Chapel is 31 feet 
 6 inches long, 17 feet wide. The portion on the north east 
 is 35 by 34 feet, that on the south east, 36 feet 6 inches, by 
 34 feet 6 inches. 
 
 The Lady Chapel itself is 75 feet 6 inches long, 30 feet 
 6 inches wide. 
 
 Height of the main arches of the tower, 58 feet from level 
 of the bases of their piers to the soffit. 
 
 The crypt, under the Lady Chapel, is 50 feet long, by 30 
 wide, consisting of a nave and aisles formed by two ranges of 
 columns. 
 
87 
 
 The following letters, having reference to works completed by 
 Mr. Cottingham, were sent too late to be read at the meeting, 
 and are now in justice to him included in the appendix. 
 The President of Magdalen College, Oxford, to Mr. Cottingham. 
 Magdalen Coll. Oxford, Feb. 14, 1832. 
 Sir, — Your plan for the restoration of the interior of our 
 Chapel, which was adopted by the Fellows of the College, has 
 been executed in a manner which obtains, I understand, the 
 highest praise from all capable judges. 
 
 I am, Sir, 
 Your faithful and obedient Servant, 
 
 M. J. ROUTH. 
 
 To the Court of Assistants of the Worshipful Company of 
 Fishmongers. 
 
 Upper Marsh, Lambeth, 
 
 15th Feb. 1832. 
 Gentlemen, — Having been solicited by Mr. Cottingham, 
 Architect, to express to you my opinion of his professional 
 abilities, I beg to state, that he has been employed by me 
 these eight or nine last years in laying out an extensive estate 
 in the parish of Lambeth, and that between 80 and £90,000 
 have been expended in buildings thereon, under his sole direc- 
 tion and superintendence, to my entire satisfaction. He had 
 many difficulties to contend with in the foundations, &c. but 
 I can with much pleasure declare, that the buildings have not 
 
88 
 
 in any instance cracked or given way, but on the contrary. 
 are greatly admired both for the design, and the substantial 
 manner in which they are constructed. 
 
 From Mr. Cottingham's energy, integrity, and ability, I have 
 never had cause to regret placing my estate in his hands, and 
 from other circumstances, I cannot but consider him fully compe- 
 tent to superintend the erection of buildings of any magnitude. 
 I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, 
 
 Your very obedient Servant, 
 
 JOHN FIELD. 
 N.B. Upwards of £50,000 has since been expended on the 
 above estate since the date of Mr. Field's letter, under the 
 direction of Mr. Cottingham. 
 
 John Harrison, Esq. to Mr. Cottingham. 
 
 Snelston Hall, 26th Feb. 1832. 
 
 Dear Sir, — It is with sincere pleasure that I am able to 
 answer your application for my testimonial of your ability as 
 an Architect, in the most satisfactory manner. 
 
 The house you have erected for me here, will, I trust, long 
 remain a standing proof of your good taste, and ability. It is 
 greatly admired by all, both for the beauty of its external and 
 internal appearance, the convenience of its arrangements, and 
 the solidity of its construction, — and all are astonished at the 
 rapidity with which the work was executed, and without 
 meaning to disparage the works of others, I feel confident that 
 
89 
 
 the Committee for rebuilding the Fishmongers' Hall will not, 
 from all the applicants they may have, be able to select an 
 Architect of more talent, and ability, than yourself. 
 And I am, Dear Sir, much yours, 
 
 JOHN HARRISON. 
 N.B. The above house cost nearly £30,000. 
 
 The following has been sent just as the Statement was 
 going to press — 
 
 Roos, Patrington, April 18, 1842. 
 
 My dear Sir, — Our Church was re-opened for divine service 
 the week before last — We had a large party, and a number 
 of the neighbouring clergy attended, who all expressed them- 
 selves in admiration of the restoration of the Church. I had 
 some plans of the sittings in the nave and aisles struck oft", 
 with the names of those to whom the seats were allotted, of 
 which I send you a copy. I hope we are to have the pleasure 
 of seeing you down shortly, as I wish for your advice about 
 the neighbouring Churches, but pray let me know, as if you 
 cannot come at present, I must take some other steps about 
 making a return of their general state of repair. Pray come 
 however, if you can, as I much wish you to join in the admi- 
 ration of your own work. — At any rate accept my best thanks 
 for the beautiful state into which you have put our Parish 
 Church. Your's very faithfully, 
 
 To L. N. Cottingham, Esq. CHARLES HOTHAM. 
 
tfrag for tf)c tfrarr of Jerusalem : tfieg sfiall 
 
 prosper tfiat lobe tfire. 
 $rarc be toitflin tfig mails, antr prospering 
 
 toitfjin tf)g palaces. 
 jFor mg brethren anti companions' safecs, I 
 
 mill nom sag, $cace be mitfjin tfjee. 
 Because of tfir fiousr of tfir ?Loro our <Soo I 
 
 toill srefc tfjg gooo. 
 
 $salm cnit, berses bi, bii. biii, ii. 
 
 \V. H. Vale, Printer, 23, High Town, Hereford. 
 
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 Pbt by WH.Valt. High l.-*n. Hertford. 
 
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EAST EifD Cy TEE CHOIR OF HEREFORD CATHEDRAE. 
 384-1 
 
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THE NORTH ARCH OF CENTRAL TOWER.SHEWNG THE MASONRY. ERECTED ABOUT 1320 *c 
 
 
ra TR&HSEPT WALL.P.E;T' 
 
 
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THE HRSX ARCH OF TEE WAVE ABIOIMKG- THE CHOIR 
 
 

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