Page:A History of Architecture in All Countries Vol 2.djvu/119

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Bk. V. Ch. I.
103

Bk. V. Ch. I. NORWAY. 103 early English.' Internally it is a dome 30 ft. in diameter, supported on a range of columns disposed octagonally, and all the details correspond with those of the best period of decorated architecture. As will be observed from the plan (Woodcut No. 544), the architect had considerable difficulty Avith all these rebuildings to bring the old and new parts to' fit well together, and in consequence the walls are seldom straight or parallel with one another, and, what is most unusual, the choir expands towards the east. This is not, however, carried to such an extent as to be a blemish, and with a double range of columns down the centre would hardly be perceived, or if perceived, the effect would be rather pleasing than otherwise. 545. View of the Cathedral of Troiidhjem. Had the western front been completed, it would have been one of the most beautiful anywhere to be found, not only from its extent (120 ft.), but also from the richness and beauty of its details, belonging to the very best period of art — about the year 1300. In design and detail it resembles very much the beautiful facade of Wells Cathedral. Like the rest of the cathedral, it is now in a very ruinous state, and, as will be seen by the' view (Woodcut No. 545), the whole is so deformed externally by modern additions, that its original effect can only be judged of by a careful examination of its details. ' Both in design and purpose this cir- cular part of Trondhjem Cathedral is an €xact counterpart of Becket's Crown at Canterbury. That was erected as a bap- tistery and burial-place for the arch- bishops, and seems to have been after- wards incorporated in the cathedral, more Francorum.