now used as a school. The bede-house, which stands to the south of the church, and has some fine late Perpendicular work, with a beautiful bell-niche at the west end, and the college, the front of which is seen in the street. These works are by Archbishop Chichele.
We hope this first number fairly represents the future character of the work. From the beauty and variety of the subjects on which those who have undertaken it are engaged, there need, at no point, be a falling off of interest in the matter; while the names of Mackenzie, Le Keux, and Jewitt are a sufficient guarantee that the artists will do justice to the subjects. We are indebted to the Society for the specimen plate and woodcuts, which will enable the Members of the Institute to judge of their execution. The faithful and accurate description which Mr. Freeman has given of Higham Ferrers church, will be an excellent guide to his companions in the same field; and it is to be hoped that the exertions of this and other Societies will shortly enable the ecclesiastical antiquary to form a clear estimate of the local merits and peculiarities of our medieval architecture.
The Monastic Ruins of Yorkshire. Parts I. and II. Folio. R. Sunter, York.
All that we have just said in approbation of the first brochure of the Northamptonshire Architectural Society, is applicable to this work, which is one of the most elaborate of the numerous publications occasioned by the present taste for and general study of Ecclesiology. The monastic ruins of Yorkshire are among the most valuable examples of art remaining in this country, and, owing to the sequestered sites of most of them, have preserved a freshness and sharpness of detail which we seek in vain among similar remains in the midland and southern counties. Although lithography is not generally successful in rendering details with clearness and fidelity, the drawings in this work, executed by Mr. G. Hawkins, are certainly equal to any specimens of that process which have fallen under our notice; the architectural features of the several buildings are represented with great accuracy and clearness, and the general views present faithful pictures of some of the most picturesque spots in the kingdom. The letter-press, written by the Rev. E. Churton, is appropriate to the subject; wisely avoiding minute antiquarian detail, which the more curious reader may find in the works of Dugdale and Burton, the Rev. author has furnished a pleasing and instructive narrative of the history of each building illustrated. We wish this publication every success, and trust the enterprising publisher will receive the encouragement he deserves.
