Stranica 236 [236]
214 THE CHURCHES
FOUNTAIN COURT, TEMPLE
Italian details and that marvellous sense of proportion to be seen
in all his work, the best points of Gothic architecture could be
adapted. The result, whether in itself or in contrast, was most
satisfactory, and was greatly enhanced by the opening of the wide
street between the two churches. I shall not soon forget my
distress when, after a long absence abroad, I went once more to
enjoy the view, and found to my horror that St. Antholin’s had
utterly disappeared. On the whole, this is the greatest vandalism
perpetrated in our time. We abuse the architects of the past
for destroying the bell tower at Salisbury, but that was a
meritorious action compared with the removal of St. Antholin’s;
and I have been assured on the highest authority that the destruction
was carried out in spite not only of the protests, but even the