ENGLAND. 



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entrance is formed of 12 Corinthian columns, on an elevated marble basement, with 8 coupled 

 columns above, supporting a pediment, an entablature representing St. Paul's conversion in 



bas relief, a colossal statue of the Saint at the 

 top, and statues of the evangelists on the 

 sides. The dome, resting on the mass of 

 building, is surmounted by a lantern, and 

 adorned with Corinthian columns and a bal- 

 cony ; the whole is surmounted by a cross. 

 The interior of the cathedral does not equal 

 its noble exterior. It would be little else 

 than an immense vauh with heavy columns, 

 were it not relieved by monumental statuary. 



Westminster Abbey, some distance higher 

 up the river, is one of the noblest existing 

 monuments of Gothic architecture. The 

 south front combines grandeur with grace in a 

 remarkable degree The northern part has a 

 magnificent window of stained glass, and is very imposing. The exterior of the buildmg is 

 perhaps somewhat deficient in tnat airiness and beauty which distinguish some of the Gothic 

 edifices of the continent ; but the interior cannot be too highly extolled. It is in the form of 

 along cross ; the roof of the nave and cross aisles is sustained by two rows of arches, one 



above the other ; the lower tier springing from 

 " ' " a series of marble pillars, each principal ))ilkir 



formed by the union of 1 main wilh 4 slender 

 pillars. It has a vast, airy, and lofty appear- 

 ance, which inspires feelings of awe and vene- 

 ration. The chapel of Henry the Seventh, at 

 the east end of the church, is unrivalled for 

 gorgeous magnificence. The city of Westmin- 

 ster and northwestern suburb of London contain 

 many splendid modern churches, almost all in 

 the classic style. London has few public edi- 

 fices compared to its great size and wealih. 

 Westminster Hall was once a palace ; here llie 

 kings of England are crowned, and here the 

 parliament hold their sittings. It lias the largest 

 nail without pillars, in Europe. St. Saviour's is a beautiful specimen of the Gothic architecture. 

 St. James's Palace is an ill-looking, brick building, but contains spacious and splendid apart- 

 ments. A new palace, called Buckingham Palace, is now building in St. .Tames's Park, with 

 a triumphal arch in front. The Banqueting Hall, in Whitehall, is the remains of a royal pal- 

 ace, which was consumed by fire. At Lambeth, on the southern side of the Thames, is the 



Westminster Ahheij. 



St. Saviour s Lady C/iapcl. 



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palace of the Archbishop of Canterbury, which has been recently rebuilt at a great expense, 

 and with much splendor. The Tower, in the eastern part of the city, is m antique fortress. 



