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Archaeologia Cantiana -  Vol. 1  1858   page xlvii

INAUGURAL MEETING of the Kent Archaeological Society

We certainly are prone to be over-proud of modern achievements, and to suppose that those who have gone before us knew nothing. Now if this Society—the inauguration of which we are met in such numbers to celebrate this day—should teach us that our forefathers really were not totally ignorant, and not to suppose that "no doubt we are the men, and wisdom will die with us," perhaps it will have the good effect of making us a little more humble and more truly wise. 
   In architecture, for instance,—a subject which will form one of the studies peculiarly belonging to a Society such as this,—our ancestors, I suspect, knew as much as ourselves, and probably a good deal more. We need not go back to the classic times of Greece and Italy; but if we confine our view to our own country, we shall find many grey old specimens of exquisite beauty, worthy studies for our best architects and painters; and one of the latter I now see near me (T. Webster, Esq., R.A.), whose pencil could do ample justice to the beauties of such a structure. It has been said, that however much the buildings of the past may excel in the picturesque, they cannot be compared  with modern structures for comfort and convenience. I admit that. But I contend that our ancestors knew well how to build abodes suitable to the times in which they lived, suitable in magnificence to the stern grandeur of the period, and that our old English barons, with their trains of feudal retainers, had acquired in their festive halls and strong towers the knowledge of combining a splendid hospitality with due security. They have left us, too, ecclesiastical edifices, not in ruins, but still existing in their pristine glory—far excelling all the erections of the present day. If we look merely at the exterior of some of our noble cathedrals; let me mention two: (I except Canterbury, in our own county, which has already been eloquently commented on.) I will mention two which afford examples in different styles, not to be surpassed in the world,—Salisbury and York,—whether we regard the light and beautiful elegance of the one, or the noble grandeur of the other; and if, when we have delighted ourselves sufficiently with the contemplation of the wonderful proportions of the exterior, we pass the portals and behold, entranced, the. varied and solemn beauties of the interior,—the clustered columns, the interminable vista of exquisite arches stretching far away until the view is lost in the bewildering play of light and shadow reflected

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