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Summum Suum Eleemosynarium
Adsistente (Regis Jussu)

Dno. Tho. Hewyt, Equ. Aur.

Edificiorum Regiorum Curatore Principali
Primum Hujus Ecclessia Lapidem

Posuit

Martii XIX. Ano Dni MDCXXI

Annoque Regni Sui VIIIvo

It was intended to have made this a round church, and two plans were presented by Mr. Gibbs to the commissioners, but were rejected on account of the expence, though more capacious and convenient than the present fabric. They are both inserted in his book of " Architecture."

The church was consecrated in the year 1726.* It is an elegant structure of stone. In the west front is an ascent by a very long flight of steps to a very noble portico of Corinthian columns, which support a pediment in which is the Royal arms in bas relief, and underneath a Latin inscription relating to the foundation of the church. The same order is continued round in pilasters, and in the intercolumnitions are two series of windows, surrounded with rustic. On each side of the doors, on the sides near the corners, are lofty Corinthian columns, the roof is concealed by a handsome balustrade; the steeple is stately and elegant; and in the tower is an excellent peal of twelve bells.

The interior decorations are extremely fine; the ceiling is eliptical; "which," says Mr. Gibbs, "I find by experience to be much better for the voice than the semi-circular, though not

* It is observable, that on the laying the first stone, the King gave one hundred guineas to be distributed among the workmen, and some time after 1,500l. to purchase an organ. The whole expence of building and decorating the church, amounted to 36,891l. 10s. 4d. of which 33,450l. was granted by Parliament, and the rest raised by Royal benefactions, subscriptions, and the sale of seats in the church.

so beautiful. It is divided into panels, enriched with fret-work, by Signiori, Artari, and Bagutti, the best fret-workers that ever came to England." Slender Corinthian columns, raised on high pedestals, rising in the front of the galleries, serve to support both them and the roof, which on the sides rests upon them in a very ornamental arch-work. The east end is richly adorned with fret-work and gilding; and over the altar is a large Venetian-window, with ornamental stained glass. On each side are seats, with glazed windows, for the Royal family and their household, whenever they come to church, especially to qualify themselves to certain offices.

The fine organ given by King George, has been supplanted by another, by no means its equal in tone or appearance, and it is matter of some reproach, that so good an instrument should be so disposed of. The present instrument cost upwards of 5007.; and, according to our information, the former was sold to a parish in Gloucestershire for 1507, and is fixed in their church, a mark of ingratitude in their former possessors.

"With respect to this noble edifice," says Mr. Ralph, "I could wish that a view was opened from the Mews to St. Martin's church; I do not know any of the modern buildings about town which deserves such an advantage. The portico is at once elegant and august; and if the steps arising from the street to the front could have been made regular, and on a line from end to end, it would have given it a very considerable grace; but as the situa tion of the ground would not allow it, this is to be esteemed a misfortune rather than a fault. The round columns at each angle of the church are well contrived, and have a very fine effect in the profile of the building; the east end is remarkably elegant; and very justly claims a particular applause. In short, if there is any thing wanting in this fabric, it is a little more elevation; which, I presume, is apparently wanted within, and would create an additional beauty without. I cannot help thinking too that in complaisance to the galleries, the architect has reversed the order of the windows, it being always usual to have the large

ones

ones near the eye, and the small, by way of attic, on the top."

Gwynn says, that "the church of St. Martin is esteemed one of the best in this city, though far from being so fine as it is usually represented to be: the absurd rustication of the windows, and the heavy sills and trusses under them, are unpardonable blemishes, and very improperly introduced into this composition of the Corinthian order, as it takes away the delicacy which should be preserved in this kind of building. The steeple itself is good, but it is so constructed that it seems to stand upon the roof of the church, there being no appearance of its continuation from the foundation, and consequently it seems to want support; an error of which Gibbs is not alone guilty, but which is very elegantly and judiciously avoided in the turrets in the front of St. Paul's; indeed the spire of the steeple of St. Martin's church being formed by internal sweeps, makes the angles too acute, which always produces an ill effect. Upon the whole, St. Martin's church is composed on a grand style of one order; the portico is truly noble, and wants nothing but the advantage of being seen."

"We have in the exterior of this church," says Mr. Malton, "an excellent example of Roman architecture, in its highest state of improvement; without the taudry and meritricious ornaments, with which the Romans frequently disfigured their sacred edifices. It is also the most successful attempt, to unite the light and picturesque beauty of the modern steeple, to the sober grandeur and square solidity of the Grecian temple. The insulated columns in the recesses at each extremity of the flanks of this church, are striking and noble; and once had the merit of novelty, though it is now by frequent imitation, become less remarkable."

The church is one hundred and forty feet in breadth, aud forty high; being well wainscoted and pewed. The pulpit and desk are also very handsome.

To the above commendations we have to add the opinion of Mr. Malcom, who observes, that the exterior is extremely su

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