252 The Smithsonian Institution 



the last half of the twelfth century ; the latest variety of the 

 rounded style, as it is found immediately anterior to the 

 merging of that manner in the early Gothic. In the general 

 design and most of the details the architect adhered to the 

 period to which this style is referable. The general feeling, 

 however, which permeates the design, especially in the upper 

 towers, is that of a somewhat later era, when all lingering 

 reminiscences of the post and lintel manner had been dis- 

 carded and the ruling principles of arch architecture were 

 recognized and carried out. The semicircular arch stilted is 

 employed throughout, in doors, windows, and other open- 

 ings. The windows are without elaborately traceried heads. 

 The buttresses are not a prominent feature and have no sur- 

 mounting pinnacles. The weather-moldings consist of cor- 

 bel courses, with bold projection. The towers are of various 

 shapes and sizes; and the main entrance from the north, 

 sheltered by carriage porch, is between two of unequal 

 height 



The design originally consisted of the main center build- 

 ing, two stories high, and two wings, of a single story, con- 

 nected by intervening ranges, each of these latter having, on 

 the north, or principal front, a cloister, with open stone 

 screen. 1 



The extreme length of the building, from east to west, is 

 447 feet. Its greatest breadth, across the center of the main 

 building and towers, and including the carriage porch, is 

 1 60 feet. The east wing is 82 by 52 feet; the west wing, 

 including its projecting apse, is 84 by 40 feet, and 38 feet 

 high ; and each of the connecting ranges is 60 by 49 feet. 

 The main building is 205 by 57 feet, and, to the top of its 

 corbel course, 58 feet high. 



1 The east wing has since been entirely disappeared, while in the west connecting 

 rebuilt, and the connecting range being now range it has been inclosed to form a part of 

 four stories high, the cloister at this end has the building. 



