Always take full particulars of age and death.
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The abbey-church of Westminster may be safely pronounced the most
interesting ecclesiastical structure in this kingdom. Considered as a
building, its architecture, rich in the varieties of successive ages,
and marked by some of the most prominent beauties and peculiarities of
the pointed style, affords an extensive field of gratification to the
artist and the antiquary. Rising in solemn magnificence amidst the
palaces and dignified structures connected with the seat of imperial
government, it forms a distinguishing feature in the metropolis of
England. Its history, as connected with a great monastic establishment,
immediately under the notice of our ancient monarchs, and much favoured
by their patronage, abounds in important and curious particulars.
But this edifice has still a stronger claim to notice--it has been
adopted as a national structure, and held forward as an object of
national pride. Whilst contemplating these venerable walls, or
exploring the long aisles and enriched chapels, the interest is not
confined to the customary recollections of sacerdotal pomp: ceremonies
of more impressive interest, and of the greatest public importance,
claim a priority of attention. The grandeur of architectural display in
this building is viewed with additional reverence, when we remember that
the same magnificence of effect has imparted increased solemnity to the
coronation of our kings, from the era of the Norman conquest.
At a very early period, this abbey-church was selected as a place of
burial for the English monarchs; and the antiquary and the student of
history view their monuments as melancholy, but most estimable sources
of intelligence and delight. In the vicinity of the ashes of royalty, a
grateful and judicious nation has placed the remains of such of her sons
as have been most eminent for patriotic worth, for valour, or for
talent; and sculptors, almost from the earliest period in which their
art was exercised by natives of England, down to the present time, have
here exerted their best efforts, in commemoration of those thus
celebrated for virtue, for energy, or for intellectual power.[82]
[82] Mr. Brayley; in Neale’s Hist. and Antiq. of Westminster Abbey.
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~St. David’s Day.~