Az Eszterházy Károly Tanárképző Főiskola Tudományos Közleményei. 2004. Vol. 4. Eger Journal of English Studies. (Acta Academiae Paedagogicae Agriensis : Nova series ; Tom. 30)

MATTHEW PALMER The English Cathedral: Prom Description to Analysis

76 Matthew Palmer An investigation into the etymology of English architectural terms, would constitute a course in its own right, and one in which students could draw upon their other majors and indeed their mother tongue. The variations existing within the terminology as used would provide but one part of this analysis. Why is it, for instance, that Thomas Rickman (1776-1841) originally dated "Early English" 1189-1307, whilst Alec Clifton-Taylor prefers 1175-1265 and John Harvey 1150-1250? Not only would this allow students to apply their historical knowledge and to learn building chronologies, they would actually have to ask themselves what actually constituted the style itself.

1

1 It is also important to note that the tone of Gervase's description differs greatly from those of some of our contemporaries or near contemporaries: The Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Salisbury is famous rather for its beauty and artistic merit than for its historical associations. It cannot compare with some other English cathedrals, such as Winchester or St Paul's, in historical significance, nor is it rich in tombs of kings or national heroes

—though King Henry HI was present at its consecration and many other royalty have worshipped there. But it is a splendid and graceful work of architecture, in the loveliest setting of any cathedral in this country; and its superb spire is renowned throughout the world, thanks in part to the paintings of John Constable. It symbolises the peaceful loveliness of the English countryside amidst which it stands, the eternal truths of the Christian Faith expressed in stone, and the continuing worship of Almighty God.

1

2 It is this "gulf between our own perceptions and those of contemporaries"

1

3 which demands that we should treat any claims to universal values and eternal truths with caution. Tradition It is important for students to realise that the way people have looked at Gothic architecture frequently tells us more about the viewers and the spirit of the age in which they lived than the buildings themselves. There have been periods where Gothic architecture has been ignored or reviled, the term in his book, An Attempt to Discriminate the Styles of Architecture in England from the Conquest to the Reformation (London, 1817). See: Franki, op. cit. pp. 506-7. 1

1 My thanks to Eric Fernie 1 Fernie, E, The Architectural History of Norwich Cathedral (Oxford, Clarendon Press, 1993), p. 155.