160 THE CHAPEL AT BELTON HOUSE 



which strikes a pleasing note, as it brings some of the minor 

 accommodation into close relationship to the house. It is ap- 

 proached through an archway in the side opposite to what is 

 now the front door. Being enclosed on one side by the open 

 screen already mentioned, it has a cheerful outlook over the 

 park. The present front door, with its porch, has been squeezed 

 in among the windows ; it probably replaces an original exit of 

 small importance which led into the court for the sake of con- 

 venience. The principal entrance was formerly up the broad 

 flight of steps in the middle of the fa$ade ; but the present 

 access, although not so stately, is better adapted to modern 

 requirements. 



The interior has excellent decorative work of the period. 

 In addition to the panelling there is a considerable amount of 

 carving attributed to Grinling Gibbons (Fig. 107) ; and there are 

 a few ceilings executed in high relief, with admirably modelled 

 detail, of which the treatment corresponds with that associated 

 with Gibbons' name. So charming are the figures and foliage 

 that they prompt a desire to see them at close quarters, instead 

 of on the inaccessible heights of a ceiling. 



The chapel (Fig. 96) is interesting as an example of classic 

 treatment applied to sacred purposes, and as one among the 

 last survivals of the mediaeval idea that it was necessary for a 

 large house to have a chapel within it. In the days when a 

 household might be cut off for weeks from the parish church 

 and when a daily exercise of religious observances was of the 

 first importance, a chapel always accessible and close at hand 

 was necessary. But the time was approaching, if it had not 

 already arrived, when the religious fervour of distinguished 

 people could easily be satisfied by attendance at places of public 

 wors*hip. 



