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Grafton Underwood, c. A.D. 1160. | Woodford, c. A.D. 1180. |
| Canterbury, A.D. 1178. | Canterbury, A.D. 1178. |
The Bases are at first very simple, consisting merely of a quarter-round molding; then of two quarter-rounds, or two and a chamfer; or else of a round, or a chamfer and a quarter-round: as the style advanced they became more enriched, and the number of members more numerous: the earlier examples resemble the Tuscan, the later appear to be imitated from the Attic base. They always follow the form of the shaft or pillar, and stand upon a square pedestal or plinth; the angles of this square plinth being frequently filled up with some ornament, called foot-ornaments, or base ornaments: these increase in richness and boldness as the style advances, and their use was continued for some time in the subsequent style.
| Canterbury Cathedral. | Stoke Orchard, Gloucestershire. |
The Niches, or, Tabernacles, are small shallow recesses with round arches, frequently much enriched; they are chiefly placed over the doorways, and generally retain the figures which they were constructed to receive. These figures being executed in low relief upon the surface of the stone, were less liable to injury than the figures of the later styles, which are carved on separate stones and inserted. The most usual figure is that of Christ, distinguished by the cruciform nimbus. At Dorchester we have St. Peter with the key, under a semicircular arch, resting on cushion-capitals to twisted shafts, with molded bases. This example is from the font. The sculpture is at first very shallow, but becomes deeper as the style advances.
