n predecessors. The instance of the building before
us, which is said by its monastic historians to have been raised
between the years 1117 and 1250, is sufficient evidence to confute the
reasoning, or rather dogmatic assertions, of those who wish to exalt
the Saxons by depreciating the Normans: and we have a still stronger
confutation of this theory in the style and general character of the
Trinity chapel, Canterbury, the history of which is well authenticated
and generally credited. That it is a novelty and great beauty in
architecture can only be disputed by those who are blinded by
prejudice, or influenced by obstinacy and bad taste."[26]

During the prelacy of Bishop Marsh, 1819-1839, great efforts were made
to restore the cathedral to its original beauty, under the auspices of
Dr. Monk, then Dean of Peterborough, and afterwards Bishop of
Gloucester. "By him the noble west front, which he found in a very
ruinous state, was perfectly restored from top to bottom;
six-and-thirty windows were opened in various parts of the church,
which were built up, and two Norman doors were brought to light, which
had been hidden under mean depressed arches."

It may, perhaps, be desirable to describe the different portions of the
building in the order in which they present themselves to the visitor,
and in doing this, we shall avail ourselves of the excellent remarks
made by the Rev. Owen Davys, son of bishop Davys, in his work on the
cathedral, and also of the superior talent of a gentleman, formerly
well known in this city, (the Rev. T. Garbett,) who has investigated,
with great care, the whole plan of the building, and has laid the
result of his researches before the public.

[Sidenote: Western Gateway.]

First, then, is the ancient western gateway, built by Benedict, and
though it has since been much altered, a considerable part of the
original structure remains: "The western side has been faced with
Perpendicular work, and an arch of that character has been built in
front of the original Norman arch, above which is a very elegant
arcade, the alternate arches of which have small windows within them;
these light the chamber over the gateway which occupies the situation
of the chapel of St. Nicholas. The lower roof of this gateway is a good
specimen of a plain Norman roof, being groined with bold cross ribs.
The arcades on the right and left hand, which have lately been very
judiciously restored, are also worthy of notice; on