[26] I find (for example) that in 1822 he was commissioned to make a copy of his drawing of the Zodiac at Esneh for H.R.H. the Duke of Sussex.
[27] In November, 1832, he contributed several sketches for the engravings in Finden’s Bible Illustrations, but these give little idea of the style of his original sketches.
[28] Church architects seem to have been beset then, as now, by the tendency of their clients to extensive requirements on very limited resources. He speaks of a clergyman, who had some negotiation with him at this time, “as an Evangelical preacher, with a great idea of building churches for nothing.”
[29] He had previously made designs for the alteration of Stoke Newington church.
[30] He used to retaliate by reference to Mr. Pugin’s early work at Windsor Castle, which certainly gave him full opportunity for retort.
[31] An amusing incident occurred on this occasion. The freemasons of the parish claimed the right of laying the stone, which the clergy not unnaturally contested. After the ceremony began, music was heard in the distance, and down came a body of freemasons in full costume, ready to take all by storm. The workmen were prepared to resist; but a parley ensued, and the freemasons allowed the ceremony to go on without disturbance, on condition of performing their own mystic rites afterwards.
[32] This design was not carried out. But I believe it was the only design of the kind among those sent in by the competing architects. As a matter of fact, the whole competition was practically set aside, in favour of a firm, who offered to unite the functions of architect and builder, and erect a building in Anglesey marble for whatever other firms might ask for its erection in stone. The building carried out by them is a Greek temple. The feelings of the competing architects may be easily imagined, for these are the things which make competition a thankless and sometimes a hopeless work.
[33] At a much later period, as will be seen, he made a Greek design for the proposed Law Courts in Lincoln’s-inn-Fields. Here also the requirements for the true application of Greek principles of architecture were fulfilled by the circumstances of the case.
[34] After the completion of the church he returned to the charge. As late as 1841 I find a notice of his designing a spire to be added to the existing tower.
[35] They cost 11,890l., 10,947l., and 11,535l. respectively, sums which many a church architect would consider liberal now.