Norman arcade from the ruined chapel of Hartwell to a new church about to be erected, has been accomplished in a satisfactory manner. The committee also report favourably on the new church of St. Edward, at Northampton, of which the first stone was laid by the Archdeacon on the 17th May last. In the county of Rutland the church of Ashwell is in course of complete restoration under the care of Mr. Butterfield, at the sole expense of Lord Viscount Downe. The east chancel window of Harborough church has been restored by Mr. Bland. The sepulchral brasses in Higham Ferrers church, in memory of the parents of Archbishop Chicheley, have been excellently restored by Messrs. Waller, at the cost of certain members of the Bedfordshire and this society. The discoveries of two Roman tessellated pavements have been reported, one in Whittlebury Forest, the other at Harpole, in the grounds of Mr. Manning. Some stained glass which had been removed from the church of Aldwinkle St. Peter's, and sold to Sir George Robinson, Bart. has been restored by the kindness of that gentleman and the window repaired. The report concluded with some remarks on the improvement of cottages, of which some good examples have been shown on the estates of Earl Spencer, and by the Hon. R. Watson at Rockingham. Four papers were then read: 1. On the developement of Geometrical Tracery, by the Rev. G. A. Poole; 2. On the calotype as applicable to architectural objects, by the Rev. C. H. Hartshorne; 3. On Memorials in Churchyards, by the Rev. H. J. Bigge; and 4. On the works in progress at St. Peter's Northampton. Mr. James characterised the church of St. Peter's as "perhaps the most curious example of Norman parochial architecture in the kingdom;" and after a graceful allusion to the care bestowed upon it many years since by the historian of Northamptonshire and his sister,-long before there was awakened in this country the enlightened appreciation of the great church-works of our forefathers which is now so prevalent, he stated that the committee for the restoration had placed it in the hands of Mr. Scott, not only because of his general reputation as a churcharchitect, but for his peculiar success as a faithful and reverential church-restorer. Fearful of adding any Norman feature not actually authorised by the ancient remains, Mr. Scott at first designed an east end in the style of the fourteenth century; but he had prophesied that, on the demolition of the old east wall, some authentic fragments would probably be disinterred. In this anticipation he was amply gratified. There, among the materials of a wall which, from a coin of Charles I. found near the foundation, was proved not to be earlier than that monarch's reign, were discovered various features of the original Norman work, in the form of window arches, shafts, capitals, string-courses, and mouldings,-nay, the greatest treasure of all, one limb of the very cross which nearly 800 years ago crowned the gable of the chancel. The interior stones, though long embedded in the more modern wall, were distinguished by their coats of whitewash, the exterior stones by their lichens and weatherstains. From these materials Mr. Scott has been enabled to restore the original Norman design with certainty. He has also ascertained that the aisles originally extended some five feet, and those of the chancel some twelve feet, further than the recently demolished walls. Though at an additional cost, the Committee have determined to restore this remarkable build. ing in its pristine integrity; and a further subscription was opened for this object, which the Marquess of Northampton immediately headed with a contribution of ten guineas. The annual meeting of the Bedfordshire Architectural and Archæological Society was held at Bedford on the 16th Oct. Colonel Higgins in the chair. Mr. Wyatt read the report of the committee appointed with a view of making a grant towards the repairs of Dunstable church, and 107. was agreed to be appropriated for that purpose. The annual report was read by the Rev. H. J. Rose, which stated, amongst other proofs of the utility of the society, that twenty papers had been read on different interesting and useful subjects. The Rev. B. E. Bridges, of Hawnes, read a paper On the distinctive features of Christian Architecture. A former paper, contributed by this gentleman, had consisted of the outlines of buildings; and this he termed the filling-up, or Decorative. The symbolical might form the subject of another paper. The present paper contained a comparison of the Grecian, the Gothic, and the Early-English styles of architecture. The Rev. W. Airy, of Keysoe, read a paper On the Solemn League and Covenant. A copy of the English and Scotch covenant, signed by the Rev. Thomas Whitehand, rector, and the parishioners of the parish of Swineshead, in the county of Huntingdon, was exhibited at the meeting; it was lately found secreted in the roof of the rectory, whilst undergoing repair, and is intended to be presented to King's college, Cambridge. The paper contained a brief history of the persecution of the clergy in those times, and other interesting matter. 1850.] Foreign News. At a special meeting of the Yorkshire Architectural Society held at Beverley, on the 22d Oct., two papers were read, one by the Rev. G. A. Poole on certain peculiarities in the churches of Norfolk, which were minutely described, and were shown to be the consequence of the almost universal use of flint in the construction of these edifices. The other was an account of the fine Anglo-Norman Church of Kirkburn, near Driffield, by E. Brereton, esq. Both were illustrated by numerous very beautiful drawings. The former of these papers it was stated was about to be published in the forthcoming volume by the "Union of the Architectural Societies," a copy of which would be presented to each member of the society whose subscription was not in arrear. The mem bers then visited the Minster and St. HISTORICAL CHRONICLE. FRANCE. FOREIGN NEWS. A serious crisis has been imminent at Paris, in consequence of the disputes between the President and General Changarnier. The history of the affair is briefly this. General Changarnier, irritated by the removal of General Neumayer, proposed to issue two orders of the day to the army, one prohibiting all political demonstrations, the other notifying the removal of General Neumayer, and containing of ficial advice to his successor General Carrelet, the nominee of Louis Napoleon, which was of a nature directly to annoy the President himself. The council having adjourned without coming to a decision, the matter became the subject of private negociation, and it was ultimately arranged, by way of compromise. After the crisis was passed, General Changarnier went to the palace of the Elysée, on the invitation of the President, when explanations said to have been "most cordial" took place. The quarrel between the Elysée and the party of order is said to have produced a reconciliation between all the branches of the Bonaparte family. For the last two years Napoleon Bonaparte (the son of Jerome), and Pierre Bonaparte (brother of the Prince de Canino), have been in such direct opposition to the Elysée, that they have been called the Princes de la Montagne. The President's Message delivered to the Chambers on the 12th Nov. appears to have given as much gratification to the Parisian public as to the representatives of the Assembly. Nearly all the journals speak loud in its praise, particularly for its frankness and disinterestedness, which, the executive power to the sympathies of they add, must recommend the chief of France. SPAIN. On the 31st Oct. the Cortes were opened by the Queen, with the usual ceremonies. She expressed satisfaction in being able to announce the happy re-establishment of diplomatic relations with Great Britain in a manner worthy of both countries. Friendly relations continued with other Powers. The Spanish expedition to Rome had been eminently successful. In the interior of Spain public order was maintained and past dissensions forgotten. DENMARK. Denmark and the Duchies are still virtually at war. There have, indeed, been fresh skirmishes. The Holsteiners have made several incursions, and taken some prisoners, but generally have had to retire with loss, in killed and wounded. The Danes have fortified their position at Bau. By a Royal order published on the Prussia belonging to the army, landwehr, evening of the 9th Oct. all subjects of or reserve, are recalled from any foreign State, whether they have leave of absence The order will be a fatal blow to or not. the Holstein army, as it deprives it of its best officers and 3,000 or 4,000 men. The ratifications of the treaty of peace with the German States were finally exchanged on the 26th Oct. at Frankfort, between Count de Thun, on the part of the Federal Assembly, and M. de Bulow, upon that of Denmark. All German States are, therefore, at peace with Denmark, except Coburg and Nassau. GERMANY. The principalities and powers of Germany have hitherto been joined in a federal league, established at the Congress of Vienna, for their mutual security and advantage. But after the troubles of 1848 the King of Prussia proceeded to put in execution a new confederation in the place of the Federal League, to the exclusion of Austria. It was evident from the first that, if persisted in, this scheme must provoke the other Powers against Prussia, and, above all, Austria; and that result is now being realised. Prussia has not only persisted in it by convoking her Erfurt Parliament, and by issuing decrees, but by acting upon her own decisions, and carrying into effect her own plans, however they might be at variance with her previous obligations. The affair of Schleswig Holstein has been throughout an illustration of the selfish policy of Prussia; for, even though obliged to withdraw her active intervention, she has up to this time permitted the Schleswig army to be officered by men bearing commissions in her own army. The disorders of Hesse Cassel have furnished another occasion for Prussian interference. Hesse is occupied by the hostile forces of Prussia on the one hand, and Austria and Bavaria on the other; and a slight collision took place on the 7th Nov. when the Austrian general the Prince of Thurn and Taxis had ordered his troops to occupy Fulda, a change of quarters being absolutely necessary, since the Federal troops had consumed all the provisions of their old quarters. On approaching the village of Bronzell they found it occupied by a detachment of Prussian foot, which immediately and without parley proceeded to fire upon the advancing Austrians and Bavarians. A few men were killed and wounded on both sides. On the 9th the Prussian troops evacuated the town of Fulda, in consequence of an order from the Cabinet of Berlin. The Bavarians, commanded by the Prince of Taxis, immediately entered with bands playing and colours flying. Subsequent intelligence states that Prussia has wisely acceded to the proposals of Austria, the Emperor having taken pains to assure the King of his pacific in tentions. her armaments if Prussia will do the same. Prussia, however, will continue, it is said, a military occupation of the ground between the Oder and the Elbe, and the Prince of Prussia is appointed to the chief command of the army there. The substance of the arrangement is, that the Court of Vienna concedes to the Prussian Cabinet the non-recognition de jure of the old Confederation, but still the Frankfort Diet is to be the organ of that body de facto. The Prussian troops are allowed to occupy part of Hesse. Nevertheless a Federal army will proceed to the pacification of Hesse as well as of Holstein. Austria offers to discontinue The speech of the King of Prussia, delivered at the opening of the Chambers on the 21st Nov. is very provocative of the martial spirit of his subjects. "In a short time (he said) we shall stand more strongly armed than at any period of old or modern time. We do not seek war; we wish to lessen no one's rights, or force our proposals on any one; but we require an organization of collective Germany, consistent with our present position in Germany and in Europe, and commensurate with the sum of the rights that God has placed in our hands. We have a good right; that we will defend, and we will remain in powerful preparation, under our weapons, till we are certain it has obtained recognition." HANOVER. The Hanover Gazette of the 28th October publishes a Royal decree accepting the resignations of the Stüve Ministry, and the appointment of the following Ministry in their stead: Baron von Munchausen, President of the Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Lindemann (First Burgomaster), Minister of the Interior; M. Von Rossing, Minister of Justice; Major-General Jacobi, Minister of War; Dr. Meyer, Minister of Public Instruction; Dr. Lindemann is also entrusted, pro temp. with the portfolio of Finances. AUSTRIA. Be A terrific catastrophe has occurred at the place of pilgrimage called Hergott, on the Weiss, near Purgstal. At one of the public-houses the pilgrims (of whom 3,000 were assembled at Hergott) spent the night in eating and drinking. While baking the fish the oven took fire. hind the inn were a number of stables and barns, in which hundreds of the pilgrims were reposing, and almost all perished in the flames, which rose so rapidly through the thatched roofs, fanned by a strong wind, that there was no possibility of raising ladders to attempt to rescue a single person. Many threw themselves from the lofts, and, with broken limbs, half consumed with fire, rushed hither and thither with the most piteous cries. Not a single engine was in the place, and we are assured by an eye-witness, that the fearful calamity at Leopoldstadt, in Oct. 1848, fades into nothing by the side of this awful calamity. Scarcely half of the pilgrims were saved, and those who have survived have for the most part been much injured. The bodies of the dead were found burnt to a cinder. TURKEY. A riot against the Christian population has broken out at Aleppo. A multitude of Franks were killed, and their houses sacked and burnt. The Turkish soldiers remained quiet spectators of these outrages. A most appalling catastrophe took place in the Bosphorus on the 23d Oct. by the blowing up of the Neiri Shevket, of 120 guns, one of the largest men-of-war belonging to the Sultan. She took fire, apparently in her powder magazine, and instantly blew up with terrific force. Out of her crew of 900 men and officers, only a very few were saved. Among those killed were six captains, who were on board the admiral's ship in conference on a point of etiquette, as also the aide-decamp of the grand admiral, fourteen lieutenants who were invited to an examination of several pupils of the Academy, and of 25 scholars of the first class. CHINA, A rebellion of more than ordinary importance is in progress in this country. At the departure of the last mail from Hong Kong numerous bands of robbers were plundering and burning throughout the provinces of Kangsi and Canton, and, having captured the city of Kintschan, had advanced to within 120 English miles of Canton. DOMESTIC OCCURRENCES. LONDON AND ITS VICINITY. Tower of London.-The buildings on the west side of the Tower, called the Officers' Quarters-the celebrated Stone Kitchen and gateway adjoining the Bloody Tower, have been pulled down, in furtherance of the improvements now in progress. The Guard House and flight of steps leading from Traitors'-gate to the Green are complete. The old Guard House adjoining the White Tower is removed. The barracks erected on the site of the Armoury destroyed by fire are occupied, and the Officers' Quarters nearly ready for occupation. Artesian wells are intended to be sunk for the use of the garrison. Alderman Salomons has presented to the Corporation of London a large folding Screen on which is painted, it is said by Copley, the father of Lord Lyndhurst, the subject of George the Third on one of his visits to the city of London being re. ceived at Temple Bar by the then Lord Mayor, the independent Beckford. It is no very remarkable specimen of fine art; but as a bold record of the costume, &c. of the day it is a valuable present to the body whose former chief officer and dignitaries it represents. New Park at Battersea.-The Commissioners of Woods and Works have now completed arrangements for carrying into effect the projected Park in Battersea fields, and have purchased for the sum of 11,0007. the celebrated shooting grounds and premises so long known as the Red House. The present occupier is to be allowed to remain in possession for fifteen months, as it is the intention of the commissioners to commence without delay the erection of the iron suspension-bridge, which is to cross the Thames immediately below the Royal Hospital on the Pimlico side. The parish of Whitechapel is setting an excellent example to the metropolitan parishes whose churchyards will be closed under the operations of the new Interments Act. Under the superintendence of Mr. Curtis, who planned and planted the new Victoria Park, the churchyard is now being planted with evergreen and deciduous shrubs and trees. As it is a well ascertained fact that trees absorb and convert the noxious gases given off by the process of decomposition, we hope that so laudable an example will be universally followed. Oct. 22. The Lord Bishop of London consecrated the new church of St. Mary, West Brompton, which makes the one hundred and seventy-sixth church which his lordship has consecrated during his episcopacy. St. Mary's, West Brompton, is built from the design and under the direction of Mr. George Godwin, F.R.S on an estate belonging to Mr. Robert Gun- ton district church, of which the Rev. The new church of the Holy Trinity, Haverstock-hill, in the parish of St. Pancras, has some striking points, superior to many lately erected. The tower stands at There the west end of the centre aisle. is some gallery accommodation. number of seats is 1426, of which only The 570 are to be let. the fourteenth century, principally disThe general style is of tinguishable in the end windows of the aisles and chancel. The arcade on each [Dec. side of the nave (of five arches) has an air of sober gracefulness. Side-aisles are formed to the chancel within the width of the nave, whose aisles are prolonged eastward, and there are three arches to the chancel, the centre one of which is very lofty. The tower has some ornaments, and a broach spire, 160 feet high. The vicar, the Rev. D. Laing (honorary secretary to the Governesses' Benevolent Institution), and the committee have made themselves answerable for 4,000l. out of 10,000. of the entire expense incurred, for the liqui berality. Messrs. Wyatt and Brandon are dation of which they trust to public li the architects. BERKSHIRE. Nov. 15. The first stone of a new church at Sandford, in the parish of Abingdon, was laid by the Bishop of Oxford. A church had formerly stood on the site, and a remnant of the stones of the foundation and walls, which had replace in the new church. This is the commained to the present day, will occupy a mencement of a grand design of Church Extension for the whole parish of Abingdon and its affiliated hamlets. The town contains a population of above 6,000, which, together with the hamlets of Shippon, Sandford, and Northcourt, are under the pastoral care solely of the Vicar of St. Helen's, with an endowment of only 1307. per annum, from which he has to pay the rent of a house. It is proposed to build a church at Abingdon, to enlarge the church of St. Nicholas in that town, to build churches at Sandford and Shippon, to provide parsonage-houses for three districts in Abingdon, and for Sandford and Shippon, together with adequate posed to provide a parsonage-house for schools and school-houses. It is also proDrayton, a chapelry of St. Helen's. CAMBRIDGE. chael's church, Cambridge, from the raOct. 18. The restorations of St. Mivages of fire last year, have progressed so far, that the church was re-opened for by the Master of Trinity and Professor divine service, when sermons were preached entirely destroyed by the fire, has been Scholefield. The roof, which was almost rebuilt of oak, as closely as possible after the pattern of the original roof, with kingposts, &c. Arches resting on massive buttresses have been thrown across the north and south aisles, to support the large chancel-arch. The whole of the flooring has been excavated to the depth of nearly three feet, and filled in with con. The churchyard has been lowered to the basement moulding of the building. crete. |