Llandaff Cathedral.
"The architecture of Llandaff Cathedral, however
curious in itself, and therefore interesting to the
architectural antiquary, does not, to the superficial
observer, appear to rise to a very high order of
architectural merit. Yet it contributes several important illustrations to the history of Gothic art,
one being the character of its prevailing Early
English style (1220-50), which seems to have been
very largely influenced by the Somersetshire and
Gloucestershire school, as illustrated . in Glastonbury, Wells, and Berkeley. Of the entire edifice,
the distinguishing feature is the almost total absence
of all cathedral characteristics ; indeed, without
either transepts, porches or central tower, almost
without buttresses, Llandaff Cathedral, in its plan
and composition, presents the appearance of a
magnified parish church rather than one which
aspires to cathedral dignity ; yet at the same time,
its length of nearly 270 feet, its eastern Lady Chapel,
and its western pair of towers, vindicate its architectural sufficiency for the rank which it holds."
Extract from "The Cathedrals of England and Wales" (Open Library)
|
