ENGLISH MEDIAEVAL ARCHITECTURE. 177 



features which perhaps more strikingly distinguish our 

 several divisions than any other. These openings are 

 generally arched. In Norman work the arch is almost but 

 not entirely round, and this is generally considered the 

 characteristic of this period. 



You all remember the western doorway of that fine 

 old church under Tutbury Castle, with its enriched semi- 

 circular arches receding order after order and finishing in 

 its inner circle with an alabaster ring carved in a manner 

 far superior to any thing that can be done even in these 

 days. As an example of building geology, this inner arch 

 is a great curiosity, showing that alabaster as an external 

 material most delicately carved has stood the action of a 

 clear Staffordshire atmosphere for 800 years. Some of 

 you may also have noticed the southern doorway of 

 this same church, which is also characteristic of this 

 period, having semicircular arches considerably enriched 

 and boldly recessed. The remains of these southern door- 

 ways of Norman times are not uncommon in this county, and 

 are valuable as at once fixing the foundation of the church as 

 a remote one. Thus they are to be seen at Waterfall, 

 Blore, Maer, Codsall, Stowe, and elsewhere, including White 

 Ladies, of which there is a sketch here. Early English door- 

 ways are not common in Staffordshire, but there is one at 

 Gnosall, at Croxden, and at Stapenhill. Decorated doorways 

 are common enough, as at Checkley, with the ball flower 

 ornament, Cheddleton, Norbury, Clifton Campville, Tarn- 

 worth, &c. Perpendicular doorways are also common, as 

 at Brewood, King's Bromley, &c. Of the arch between 

 chancel and nave we have several Norman specimens, as at 

 St. Chad's, Stafford. There is one of very highly enriched 

 character at Longdon, near Lichfield, and there are others 



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