DR. GILLY ON NORHAM CHURCU AND CHURCHYARD. 183 



only the finest church between the Tweed and the Coquet ; 

 but, when the east window of the chancel is put in order, it 

 will also present to view as noble a specimen of Norman 

 parish church architecture as is to be seen in any part of the 

 kingdom. 



The chancel end (with the exception of the east window, 

 which was clumsily constructed about fifty years ago) dis- 

 plays, particularly on the south side, much of the bold rich 

 carving and deep mouldings which distinguished the work- 

 manship of the 12th century ; and, after the lapse of cen- 

 turies, presents a perfect model for the student of ancient 

 masonry. The learned have not yet determined what sort 

 of working plans were used in the best days of church archi- 

 tecture, whether drawings or models in wood or other mate- 

 rial The Cathedral of Lindisfarne was begun in 1093, about 

 sixty or seventy years before Norham church. Its architect, 

 Edward by name, was termed "Officiales Frater," and his 

 skill and virtues are spoken of in high praise by the Monk 

 Reginald, in his " Lihellus de Admirandis Beati Cuthherti 

 Virtutibus" published by the Surtees Society, but no men- 

 tion is made of the designs from which the building was 

 wrought ; although much is said about the nature of the 

 stone used, and the labour of conveying and fixing the 

 stones, after they were hewn and carved. About the same 

 time that Norham church was in progress, the works of Nor- 

 ham Castle were going on (between 1133 and 1194), and 

 Reginald again employs several pages in giving an account 

 of the architect, and of his skilfulness and knowledge. 

 Among other things he describes a religious book of the 

 artist, which was embellished with pictures and illuminated 

 letters ; but not a word is written of the drawings or plans 

 by which the workmen were guided. Are we to attribute 

 this silence to the secresy of Free Masonry ? 



The Church. — To have the best view of the interior, you 

 must enter by the south-west door, and an imposing sight 

 will present itself The length of the whole church is 120 

 feet ; nave 70 ; chancel 50. The massive columns between 

 the aisle and nave, with the five Norman arches eighteen feet 

 high and eleven feet wide, springing from octagonal capi- 



