375 



that at RijDon is the only instance I can call to mind where the 

 idea of ornament seems more prominent than that of utility. It 

 is, however, so graceful, and withal so dignified, that it disarms 

 the criticism of mere utilitarianism. 



Many theories have been held in different districts as to 

 whether the N. or S. should be the chief entrance. These are 

 often very ingenious, but to my mind they do not account for 

 the variation half so plainly as the simple question of situation, 

 nearness to highroads, houses, &c. 



I am afraid my paper has run to undue lengths, but I should 

 like, if I may, to say a few words resjjecting Bath Abbey, in 

 connection with what I have been just saying. 



In its present condition it is a building thoroughly abnormal 

 in ground plan, and unfortunately we have little to guide us 

 as to the original design. Bishop de Villula's Church had 

 probably a single west entrance, but whether its west front coin- 

 cided with the present one I have never been able to learn for 

 certain, though I have a strong suspicion- that the lower parts of 

 the turrets on which are carved the ladders and angels are 

 Norman in core. There was probably a people's door, with a porch, 

 opposite the present south door of the nave. 



This south door, adjoining the ancient Palace of de Yillula, 

 which afterwards became the Prior's lodging, must have been 

 the Prior's doorway, opening into the west walk of the Cloisters, 

 while the corresponding Monks' doorway must have been that 

 of the present vestry. 



But here comes the difficulty. If the north walk of the 

 Cloisters lay close under the aisle wall (as is the case in every 

 Benedictine house in England, to the best of my knowledge) the 

 question arises; How is one to get over the difficulty of the 

 projection of the transept right through the line of the walk 1 



After having constantly had it in my thoughts for the past 

 three years, and after having considered theory after theory only 

 to discard them as failing to satisfy necessary requirements all 



