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Inferior apartments, in most instances, had only a mantel-tree acrossthe opening supporting the chimney-breast. These beams were massy,and frequently ornamented with rude carving. In the AntiquarianRepertory, one is represented with a large bowl carved upon it, bearingthe motto “ UjaSsi-ljfll” on one side, and on the other “ iU*inrI)ttUf.”

In Elizabeth’s reign, the fashion of making chimney-pieces verylarge, and in the style of contemporary monuments, wrought in English marble or alabaster, with panels enclosing pictures, prevailed. InImogen’s Chamber, the chimney-piece bore the representation of

“ Chaste Diana bathing.”— Cymheline.

Plate XVI.— Wt)t — This Design, after the manner

ofWolsey’s style, admits of a profuse display of heraldic badges, de-corations which have, from the introduction of the science, been greatlyesteemed — especially by the Tudors; and from their peculiar advantageof combining adornment with utility, are the most suitable embellish-ments for this species of architecture; but sadly out of place, whenapplied either to Grecian or Roman edifices. Nothing so satisfactorilyestablishes the dates of structures, as the cognizances of their builders;and few subjects present such ample scope for the exercise of taste intheir disposition.

Sculptured arms were first used as enrichments to ecclesiasticalarchitecture : the earliest existing instance of their application are theshields of the founders in Westminster Abbey Church , placed theresoon after the introduction of hereditary coat-armour.

Badges, which could only be derived from superior dignity, were