The history of the great church of Notre Dame in Paris goes back into pagan times. A heathen temple once stood on its site, and later a Christian basilica. The present church was begun in the twelfth century. Clubs should first take up its architecture, which is not pure Gothic but transitional, and understand how it differs from many of the beautiful pure Gothic French cathedrals. Some of its many striking features are its three deep porches in front, the massive square towers, the delicate gallery, with its openwork arches, which supports a heavy mass of stone, and the huge rose window.
The history of the church is of the deepest interest. One paper may be on the curious fact that, though the French kings were crowned at Rheims, an English king, Henry VI, was crowned in Notre Dame, and give a description of the times and the event. Note also the great Te Deum sung here in 1431 when Paris was retaken.
During the French Revolution this was the Temple of Reason, and a travesty on the usual religious services was performed. Napoleon, wishing to impress Europe, summoned the Pope to Paris, and was here crowned Emperor of the French, but by his own hands. All these and other historical points are to have papers.
Read parts of Victor Hugo's novel, "Notre Dame." Study also other French churches, especially the cathedrals of Amiens, Rouen, Chartres and Rheims. Read "Rambles in the French Châteaux," by F. M. Costling (The Page Company), "Old Paris," by H. C. Shelley (The Page Company).
IX—IN THE BRITISH ISLES
The Tower of London has a more intimate connection with the history of England than any other building. Tradition says, probably erroneously, that it was begun by the Romans; certainly, however, the oldest part, the White Tower, dates back to 1078. Have a picture or plan shown which makes clear how it is built,—with walls, a moat and various towers and the Keep. Then take in chronological order all the great events which occurred here, giving several meetings to their study. Kings were crowned, held court here, and were imprisoned. Queens died or were beheaded. Famous prisoners spent years in its dungeons. Describe the square place in the court where the executioner's block stood; show the Bloody Tower, and give the events which occurred there. Notice the gate connected with this, and also the Traitors' Gate. Tell of the Tower to-day, and its collection of armor and jewels.
In "Abbeys, Castles and Famous Halls of England and Wales," by Timbs and Gunn (Warne of London), there is an excellent résumé of the history of the Tower. Or, a good English history, such as Green's, will give it.
Take also the history and description of Westminster Hall and Abbey, St. Paul's, the different cathedrals of England and other famous buildings. If possible add the famous buildings of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood, Stirling, and others. Wales has many famous ruins, notably Carnarvon, Conway and Harlech. Ireland has, among others, Ross Castle.
X—THE TAJ MAHAL
India has many notable temples and ruins, but for sheer beauty nothing can compare with the Taj Mahal, at Agra. Built in the seventeenth century by the Emperor Shah-Jehan as a mausoleum for his favorite wife and himself, it required the work of twenty thousand men for more than twenty years to complete it. It has been called a masterpiece of art, "a poem in stone."