Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 6.djvu/243

ARCHITECTURAL NOTICES, RELATING CHIEFLY TO CHURCHES IN THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, BY THE REV J. L. PETIT, M.A.i (Continued from page 45.) We will now altogether change our locality, and glance at a few churches in Sussex. As might be expected, the differ- ence in geological structure between two distant counties involves considerable architectural differences, besides which we generally find a certain local character independent of the nature of material. For instance, a part of Somersetshire abounds in lofty towers, with enriched belfry stories and beautiful pierced parapets ; there is also a peculiar kind of Perpenchcular window which I have noticed in most churches in the same district. In Warwicksliire, Shropshire, and Staf- fordshire, are towers of a much plainer description, but well- built, massive, and of good proportion ; and a band of panelling beneath the string of the parapet (which is usually embattled) is very common. In some parts of Kent a bold staircase tmTet is almost universal. In Northamptonshire this is less common, and the upper stage of the tower, as also in Bed- fordshire, occasionally tapers upwards. We might also notice peculiarities in the plan of the building itself; in the tracery of the windows ; in the mouldings ; in the predominance of a particular style, as the Early English in Kent and Sussex, the Decorated in Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, and the Perpendicular in Somersetshire and Devonshire. No archi- tectural student ought to confine himself altogether to one locality, however rich in specimens, lest he should run the risk of mistaldng local peculiarities for general rules. From the predominance of flint and chalk in Sussex, at least in the district we are about to consider, we shall not expect to meet with much ashlar masonry, nor with the external enrichnicnt which is attainable where good freestone can be used in abundance. And I do not remember to have noticed the flint panelling common in Norfolk, and which frequently produces so good an effect, in the fine and lofty towers of that county. I have, however, observed a few 1 Tlio illustrations of this Memoir, en- Institute. The Committee desire to ex- graved from drawings by Mr. Petit, have press their cordial thanks for this generous been liberally presented by him to the assistance.