[Page] The First and Second PART OF COUNSEL and ADVICE TO ALL BUILDERS: FOR The choice of their SURVEYORS, Clerks of their Works, Bricklayers, Masons, Carpenters, and other Workmen therein concerned.
AS ALSO In respect of their Works, Materials, and Rates thereof.
Written by Sr. Balthazar Gerbier, Knight.
LONDON, Printed by Tho. Mabb, for Tho. Heath at the Globe within Ludgate, 1664.
[Page] [Page] A Brief DISCOURSE Concerning the Three chief Principles OF Magnificent Building.
| Viz. | Solidity, Conveniency, and Ornament. |
By Sr. Balthazar Gerbier, Knight.
LONDON, Printed by Tho. Mabb, for Tho. Heath at the Globe within Ludgate, 1664.
TO THE KINGS MOST Excellent Majesty.
MY place of Master of the Ceremonies (which the King [Page] your Royal Father of blessed memory, confirmed unto me during my life, by the Great Seale of England,) is to introduce Forreign Princes or their publick Representatives to your Sacred Presence. And in regard the Place of Surveyor Generall [Page] was also intended to me (after late Inigo Jones) I doe make bold to introduce the three Capitall Principles of good Building to your Sacred Majesty, who hath seen more stately Palaces and Buildings, than all your Ancestors, and may be a Pattern to all [Page] future Posterity, by Building of your own Palace worthy your Self, and placeing it as the Italians for their health, delight, and conviency (as well as Solidity and Ornament,) La Matina alli Monti, la Sera alli Fonti, according to which the main body of [Page] your Royal Palace may be set on the side of Saint James's Park, and the Gardens along the River.
If the Book affoards any thing worthy your Sacred Majesties further satisfaction, I have obtained my end, and done the Duty [Page] intended by
TO THE LORDS AND COMMONS Assembled in PARLIAMENT.
IT being lately reported that your Honours have deliberated to have the [Page] Streets made clean, to enlarge some of them, and to Build a Sumptuous Gate at Temple-Barr; I thought it my Duty to Present this small Discourse of the three Principals of good Building, and withall a Printed Paper concerning the Cleaning of the Streets, the Levelling the Valley at Fleet-Bridge, with Fleet-Street and [Page] Cheapside, and the makeing of a Sumptuous Gate at Temple-Barr, whereof a Draught hath been presented to his Sacred Majesty, and is ready also to be produced to your Honours upon Command, with all the Devotion of
TO HIS Royal Highnesse the Duke of Yorke.
THe fore-runner of this Discourse was printed and dedicated to the King & to the Parliament, the Chief Builders of a State; And though your Royal Highness hath not as yet thought good to Build, it may be that when your Surintendents of Buildings shal (though they should not need any of those Annotations, nor the rates of Materials, they will approve that [Page] Workmen may have this little Book in their Pockets, that they may not be ignorant that their pay-masters will look to have works performed according to a good Method, which (besides the paying all duty and respects due to such an Eminent Royal Prince) is the scope of,
To his Highnesse, Prince RUPERT, Prince Palatine of the Rhine, Duke of Bavaria, and Duke of Cumberland, &c.
YOur Highnesse (like great Emperours of Germany, and other Princes doth not onely affect all Arts and Science, but is so eminent therein, as to trace them throughly with his Princely hands) and therefore needs no formal Crown thereon, since they prove to be the Crown to all others, which argueth the matchlesse capacity of your Highness: who will not be displeased in the offer of this little Discourse, on a grosse matter, which notwithstanding if well made use [Page] of, may serve to compose a Palace so charming, as to hinder furious Mars himself to lay his destructive hands thereon; since those that bear the name of Gotz were not permitted by great Gustavus Adolphus to touch Muniken, though it was the habitation of the Duke of Bavaria, no friend to le-bon party, as it was then called.
But that I may not by too many lines entrench, neither on your Highnesse precious time nor patience; I shall end this duty, with my zealous wishes for your Highnesses long Life and Prosperity, being
To the most Reverend Father in God, WILLIAM Lord Arch Bishop of CANTERBURY his Grace, Primate and Metropolitan over all England.
HAving observed, that your Grace doth Rebuild, what distracted times hath demolisht: I thought it fit to present this little Treatise to your Graces view; it doth proceed on the indisputable prescription, according unto which Solomons Temple was Built; and certainly, My Lord, it ought to pass for the best; nor have the Heathens, Grecians and Romans, omitted the same in their compleatest Structures, both for length, width and height, ordering each part thereof, proper to its particular use, shunning all improperties; furthermore it is certain, that many of [Page] them have affected to observe in the Dimentions of their Edifices, the 60. Cubits in length, 20. in breadth, and 30. in height of Solomons Temple; their windows accordingly, allowing a convenient height unto them, but most of their Magnificent Stair-cases with lights from above. May the blessings thence continually attend your Grace that after his Building up of Terester Seats, and the propagating of Temples in bodies of flesh, Your Grace may appear as one of the Polilished corners of that Temple, whereof that of Solomons Building Was a Tipe; The wishes of,
To the Right Honourable EDWARD Earl of CLARENDEN Lord High Chancellour of England, &c.
I Have thought it my duty to offer to your Lordship (as I do to others) a Counsel and Advice, how your builders may produce, according unto the nature of men, and quality of materials to be had on the place, without seeking in other parts (at needlesse expence) what with ease and satisfaction may be had at home, if men can affect what is most proper, and be minded to take the best out of that which Antient and Modern [Page] men (skilful in building) have practised, according unto most infallible Rules; mine shall ever be to observe the Worthies of the Age; and consequently to make good, that I am,
TO The Right Honourable the Earle of Southampton, Lord High Treasurer of England, &c.
SHould not an advice to all Builders be laid at your Lordships Threshold; It were a matter to impose as a charge upon the Author of such a Treatise, though he were blinde, if he had but heard that your Lordship (as Trajan the Emperor) leads the way not onely to particular, but to Publique Builders; May your Lordship [Page] have therein as much satisfaction and divertisement, as any of the great successeful Builders ever had; and may your Trustees therefore proceed according to the best Method, since the well performing of a work, contributes to the true content of the Builders, and makes him the sooner forget both his Charge and Cares: May likewise your Lordship in all your other Affairs, both Publick and Domestick, have entire satisfaction, which are the zealous wishes of,
TO The Right Honourable JOHN Lord ROBERTS. Baron of Truro, Lord Privy Seal.
THe Author of this Counsellor shall not be a second Anacharte, for it meddles not with matter of State; and though it were his approved profession, thanks be to God, he lives in an Age as the Knights de la Banda, made by King Alphonso; who were not only permitted, but obliged to speak truth.
Nor doth it presume to offer to a Person so eminent (and as learned in the Law as Iycurgus among the Lacedemonians) a wax Light to the Sun; it neither speaks in those learned Tongues, which your Lordship hath in great Perfection; Its Language being onely the Phrase of Mechanicks [Page] though some of them often presume to quote the words in Ecclesiasticus, chap. 38. vers. 32. & 34. Without these cannot a City be inhabited, &c. But they will maintain the State of the World, and all their desire is the work of their craft. I will ever study the true meaning of a French saying, viz la plus grande finesse est de w'en avoir point; As in this offering I have no particular one, since its duty to consider your Lordship as one of the Worthies, who doth reflect on things as necessary to the Publick and to a Family, as neat and convenient cloaths to a particular body; and that I am confident your Lordship takes me to be a somebody, and
To the Duke of BUCKINGHAM His Grace.
THE saying, Vivat memoria Buckingamii, could not be made good by me if this little Counsel and Advice, did not pay its respects to your Grace, whose matchless Aspect is that Glass which a French Author called Le miroir qui ne flatte point, for what credence would Quintus Cursius his representing Alexander have had, if he had mist his marke? and what would have been [Page] believed of Ulysses without a true Homer? of Alcibiades without Xenophon; of Cirus without Chilo; of Pyrrhus (King of the Fpirotes) without the Cronicles of Hermicles; of the great Scipio Affricanus, without the decades of Titus Livius; of Trajanus without Plutarch; of Nerva and Antoninus; Pius without Phocion the Greek, of the great courage of Julius Caesar; and the Magnanimite of Pompey without Lucan, and of the twelve Caesars, without Suetonius? Your Aspect My Lord, speaks indeed that [Page] which no memory can fall short of; And your Heroick minde affecting that which is the Purest, speaks Buckingham in perfection; your Grace can by a sublime quality separate Spiritual from Terrestrial, and without venturing a stock to fetch Aurum Horisontalis from the East Indies, or with me to the West, the most concocted and most pure from el Dorado, which if it had a speaking quality, your Grace would hear its Hessian Alembick sing the Gold its joy, for having approved it self the more pure by its often passing through a [Page] Furnace: O that all well meaning creatures, and branded by black Calumniators had like fortune, and were put to the examen of men, as Remon-Lue, to el Dorado; I would go without being inrolled among Heresiastick Seekers, only in that Number, who seek the Worthies to manifest unto them, how much I am theirs; and consequently,
To the Duke of ALBEMARLE his Grace, General of his Majestie, Forces, and Master of the Horse, &c.
ITs true My Lord, that to a person as Numa Pompilius, who honoured the Church, a Treatise concerning Divine matters were most proper. To one as Marcellus who pitied those that were vanquisht of compassion. To one as Caesar, (who forgave his Enemies) of Clemency. To one as Octavian (beloved of the People) of true Love. To one as Alexander (who gave to all) of Liberality. To one, as Hector (Valiant in War) of Heroick feats. And what more proper to one as Hercules of Thebes, Ulysses of Greece, Phyrrhus King of Epirots, excellent in the invention of Warlike Works, Catulus, Titus, Marcus, Aurelius, Croesus [Page] King of Lydia, (a just man) true, magnanimous, tender, couragious, a Mecenas to wise men, and the great enemy of those that were Ignorant. But that malicious persons who cannot endure any but themselves, should passe for persons endued with some usefull quality; I do make therefore bold to present, though a Treatise concerning Mechanicks to your Graces view, with the Humble Tender of the respects due to a second Perseus, who next to the Almighties arm hath delivered this Albion Andromeda from a Monster, which deprived me also from a publick imployment, during the space of seaventeen years.
To the Right Honourable the Lord Marquess of Winchester.
YOur Henfield well seated Palace with a Wood at its back, like a Mantle about a coat of Armes, which doth defend it from the North west windes; argueth, that it is good to be there, as it proves a daily ease to Travellers, who by four miles at once, shorten the tediousness of a too long journey; for I doe perswade my self, to heare many of them say, good cheer, its but four miles to Henfield Seat, and thence but so much more to a good Town, to refresh and rest.
The present satisfaction of that seat, no doubt (My Lord) diminisheth the grief of the losse of Basing, and that Dolbier is no more (not a Prince of the Air, save the carcass of his head on a Pole) drawing lines of circumvallation above your Seats, but that there is now [Page] (in stead of destroying powers) a blessed Prince, to whom may be justly applied, Post Nubila Phaebus, whose quickning rayes do now promise Peace and Plenty.
May there never more such dark clouds appear as might be able to cause stormes to fall, and lay to the ground such an ornament to a Land, as Basing was. Yet if in any of your Lordships Seats works may be necessary, this little forerunner of a more great one, may be as acceptable as it is most respectfully tendred by me,
To the Right Honourable the Lord Marquess of Worcester, &c.
YOur known most Excellent parts in many wonderous opperations which a publick Genius can be capable of and which renders this Age more notorious, than that wherein Pyrocles; who Invented the Art of the fire-lock, that of Prothee of compleat Armor, that of Phaenice of the Helmet, the Lacedemonians, the Lance and sword, the Combats at Sea and Land, by the Africans and Thessalonians, and what can be said of Archimedes, and the High German Lord George Agricola, who hath left number of [Page] designes most compleatly Engraven; that demonstrates how the great Element of water, can be easily drawn an excessive and almost incredible height above its Centre; so that Collonel Rushner and his assotiates in Holland, their proposals concerning Waterworks, were not to be questioned; all which to you my Lord, is so familiar, as that whatsoever Art can be treated of, cannot be amiss to your Test.
Its therefore that this is offered to your hands, it being as a little fragment of former exercises intended some years past, in a royal Academy, and might have succeeded, had it not been attempted in a most destructive time, when at one of the publick lectures (which as all the other were gratis) a world [Page] of People repaired to Bednal-Green, to destroy to the very foundation of it; partly on pretence that it was a receptacle of Royalists; and partly that the string of an Apollonian-like Harp, did not sound pleasing to their ears, down with all Arts and Sciences, and let but Paris in France, Salamanca in Spain and Padua in Italy have such a prerogative.
In fine, in case of like strugling against wind and stream, a good swimmer (though a second fabulous Leander who sinks for Love) must give over; thus an infinite number of eminent Verticosi have found to be true, and no doubt your Lordship is of the number, that judgeth by experience, yet cannot be discouraged; for Art and knowledge finds contentment [Page] in its self, it being a constant good, to all those who do profess it; my profession (my Lord) shall be as long as breath in me, to honour all those that follow what good is, and consequently that with offer of this little present, I am
To the Right Honourable HENRY Lord Marquess OF DORCESTER, One of his Majesties most Honourable Privy Council, &c.
HEre is Presented to Your Lordships View, a Summary discourse wherein Men affecting Building are concerned; it cannot be improper to his view, who sheweth the effects of his liberal Heart, as a second Gelia, when he not onely did erect buildings for publick use, gave privately, and openly, but kept Officers at the gates of the City, to invite all in-commers to take refreshment in his Palace, which did answer the truth of the saying, That as knowledge in the hands of the Common is silver, in those of a noble person it is gold. And that he doth really possessits true (and no imaginary) [Page] powder of production, That of Hermes Trisme gistos, that Aurum Potabile, which will serve to open Heavens gate.
And who can tell, My Lord, but that Ovid had more then human thoughts by a golden Shoare, whereby a Divine bliss might make way to a pure soul?
To such a one My Lord, (who by a permitted comparison may be said to have healing under his wings,) is offered the production of a person that means well, when a Mecenas to all vertues (and so high born, as directly descended from that Noble Stem of Shrewsbury) will favourably cast his eyes on an humble sensitive,
TO The Right Honourable The Earle of Manchester, Lord Chamberlain of his Majesties Houshold, &c.
COnsidering that the Lord Chamberlain by daily experience, findes what is most needfull in the Palace of a Soveraign, that a Person so indued, as your Lordship can best judge thereof, that all men of parts endeavour the performing of their task, the better under a good Commander, who also is of Noble extraction, whose Mildenesse accompanieth his [Page] Prudence, which doth patiently passe by some Errors that may be committed by men, who cannot challendge infallibility in this world; I thought fit to pay this duty to your Lordship, by presenting the Counsel and Advise to all Builders, to your hands; With the Zealous professions of an old known Royal Sworn Servant, by two of your Lordships Predecessors and,
TO The Right Honourable The Earle of Northumberland, One of his Majesties most Honourable Privy Councel, &c.
DUring your Lordships being Admiral of the King of Blessed memory, his Royal Fleet at Sea, I did not fail from my publick Residency at Bruxels, to present weekly to your Lordships view (as to all others of his Majesties most Honourable Privy Council) what in duty bound, in reference to the Royal Service and Respects to so great a Commander on the Ocean, wherein the Brittain Kings their Jurisdiction extends as far as the deviding of the Seas neer Rochel.
From this deep Ocean my Vessel being [Page] withdrawn, I do with a fraught of words concerning Materials, steer to Petworth: And if my little Treatise (though like a Mouse gets no admittance up stairs, it may to that famous Stable built (as I hear) as a magnificent one ought to be; No Horse in a double row, neither the passage too broad, nor the Seeling too high, since otherwayes that which is the main pleasing object (the Horse) is as to seek.
Your Lordship will finde in this Treatise, what kinde of Stable Prince Thomas of Savoy did Build; Its true where Marble is to be had at easy rate, but where Coper is very dear; That I may not abuse that which is due to a person of his Birth and condition, I shall onely to the offer of this little Advice to Builders; joyn the humble respects of,
To the Right Honourable The Earle of BEDFORD.
HEre is an offering not improper to the most noble successor of the Author of the Piazza, whereby this great Metropolitan of Albion is beautified as the firmament is by the Sun among the other Starrs: Nor is your Lordships Alexander-like receptacle, for all the generation of Bucefalls, a less Ornament, though inferiour to that of Prince Thomas of Savoy, which was built of White Marble within, the Pillars Copper, Figures, the Manger and Rack of the same Mettal, to perpetuate his Name somewhat longer among Rationals, then Brick could have done, yet Arthemisia [Page] had more reason to prefer before a glorious Mosole her self, for a receptacle of sacred Ashes, which might remain longer in the memory of men, and of that Sex which talkes most. I shall My Lord, endeavour to speak, not onely in all the Languages which a true Master of Ceremonies ought to have, but of that of the Heart, your Lordships praise, and that I am,
TO The Right Honourable the Earle of LEICESTER, &c.
It May be, that at the first sight of an Epistle, with Your Lordships name, will be expected a Treatise concerning the most Sublime parts of the Methaphisicks, in reference to your High Genius, or a Treatise of State-Policy, Embassages and Negotiations in the Courts of Foreign Princes, wherein your Lordships carriage hath justly deserved the respects of those, who in that time were particularly acquainted therewith, as (My Lord) I was, being then honoured by the late King of blessed memory, with a Publick imployment; but (My Lord) it being my scope onely at this time, in the putting forth this small discourse, to leave some advice to Builders, I must [Page] rather resolve to suffer in the opinion of those Great Men, whose Capacity makes them write on matters answerable to their Great Parts (and therewith to make Addresse to your Lordships) then commit the paying this Duty to a Person who hath enricht with a Noble Building, one part of this Metropolitan, and thereby encreased the number of those who have endeavoured to Build better, then those of past Ages; may Your Lordship in this have all Satisfaction and Contentment according unto the wishes of,
TO The Right Honourable THE Earle of Denbigh.
YOur Lordship, who during the time of your extraordinary Embassage in Italy, hath not only seen the best Buildings, and knoweth how to order what is best convenient, needs no advice, since your Lordships experiences in Building hath already proved it; yet my respects in the offering to your hands a little Manual, for a Testimony, that during my travels, I did not attach my Eyes onely on the generality of Objects, but did exactly consider some particulars worthy of note, (will not as I do humbly conceive) [Page] be rejected, as being contrary to the disposition of Persons of your high Descent (that of Habsburgh) who have not been abused in their Education though it happens but too much; Neither is it natural to all those, which are born under one Constellation, to have like Influences; since it hapned that when Charles the Fifth, Emperour of Germany, had his great genius elevated in Imperial thoughts, at the same moment he was Crowned, and a Baker his Nurses Son, born in the very same moment as Charles the Emperour was, who was observed only to be merry among his Friends, at the same instant of the said Emperours Coronation.
Wherefore reflecting upon your Noble Birth, My Lord, my confidence to offer such a little [Page] and Inconsiderable Piece of Work, cannot be lookt upon as unseasonable: My Mark being Respect, and the Effect my Duty; and so I do humbly beseech you, my Lord, to let it pass, for though to so great an experience as that of your Lordship, it should signifie nothing New; It may nevertheless, by your Lordships Favour, finde a place where things are made good, and so may prove as pleasing, as your Lordships Paradise-like-Garden at Neewnem, where an Euphrates flows: And truly, my Lord, a Ground without such Waters, is as a fair Ladies Chamber without a large and clear Looking-Glasse: With more I shall not presume to abuse your Lordships Patience; since as the French say, Ilfaut se lever de table [Page] avee bon apetit. Mine shall never long more, than receiving the Honour of your Lordships Commands, as being, my Lord.
TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE the EARLE of BRISTOL.
YOur Lordship who hath seen both Spain, Italy and France; and therein observed what is worthy, as a Person of that Great Judgement, as makes a true distinction between things that are, and are not, will at the first view judge of this Counsel and Advice to all Builders; [Page] who will not have just cause to dislike the Offer, since the several Materials comprized therein, are of the best Rate, as any can be; they are gratis, and accompanied with the Zealous Respects to all, as to Your Lordship in particular, By
TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARLE of NEUPORT.
MY Zeal and Respect to the Nation in general, obligeth me in the Addresse of this Little Treatise to your Lordship, to mention some things of old, as true as some were groundlesse; For as your Lordship in the Expedition for Rochell had the Command of Horse, the French Mercury then [Page] had no just cause to write, that there were five thousand English slain in that Expedition, since at the return of the Army, foure thousand five hundred men, of those five thousand that went, were Mustered at Plymouth.
The Retreat was as good as the Attempt, by matchless Buckingham most Caesar-like Glorious.
And Richelieu had no just cause to assume unto himself the glory of the Conquest of Rochel since providence had onely permitted it, for if the Town had held out till the Sea over-turned the Ditch and the Estacade, neither had the unresistable work, which I was commanded to build in three Ships, according to the example of those of the [Page] Duke of Parma at the Seige of Antmerpe to blow up Ditches, Estacades, and Chandeliers, been necessary, nor the hazarding the life of men for the succour of that place.
In fine (My Lord) I should fail, (as I do humbly conceive) as much in memory as in duty, if in the offering this my little work to your Lordships hands, I should not speak in a language differing from that of workmen, as in reference to Building, I might not omit this Addresse to your Lordship as to others, since your Lordship hath been exemplary to better Building on that part of ground where your Palace is, then the old Norman gotish Lime and Hair-like daubing custome, out of which it hath been so hard to turn men, too constant [Page] therein; but my profession not being changeable, I shall with more confidence stile my self,
To the Right Honourable HENRY Earle of St. ALBANS, Lord Chamberlain to her Gracious Majesty, the Queen mother, and of his Majesties most Honourable Privy COUNCIL.
THis little Treatise mentions the best way for Building of Habitations, the Choice of Surveyours, Clarks of the works, Master-Work-men, and Materials, as likewise the Rates and Prizes of them, and of the Works, even the manner of the East Indians burning of Lime, which could serve your Lordships Builders in St. James-fields (if les Ardennes were near it) to burn more Lime in twenty four hours time, then would be necessary for morter to all that precinct.
[Page] As for the rest, your Lordship hath seen abroad, the fairest Palaces, and most compleat habitations, the best contrived Ground-plats, and also most Paradiselike Gardens, according unto the various fancies of their proprietors; the one affecting Houses all of Glasse, to have all men see them; Others their Gardens most like an open field, or like Adam and Eve, when in their State of Innocency; Others with Parters, and Imbroderiers for exercise to Gardiners pair of sheers; other covered Walks, Labirinths, open basins for Fountains; others with grots (as at Ruell, and Liancour in France,) with such shades as that Nymphs may not be bereaved of a natural liberty; nor Acteon seen with his curled brow; Infine, that Petrarca his saying, (per tanto variar Natura é bella) might not become out of date, nor may be extinguisht your memory.
TO The Right Honourable, VISCOUNT STAFFORD, &c.
THe Advice-giver to Builders must less pass by the precinct of Tart-hall, then of all those famous great Seats which the ever to be honoured Lord High Marshal of England, the Earle of Arundel, and Surrey, your Lordships Father did possesse, but of all such as the very aspects of number of Brick-buildings, since the reformation of a Gotis relick building, hath manifested to have been the maine cause, that some of them Bearlike-whelps (by licking and smoothing) have gotten some fashionable like shape, and times may work an increase of comliness [Page] on them, which that all help may contribute thereunto, this zealous advice, doth start forth as a little Postillion, to lead those that may in time make up an excelling number, that shall be of more consideration, then such as seem to take delight to loiter, as on the old road, about ill shaped things, I shall in the interim endeavor to pay those respects unto your Lordship, as due, and long since profest by
To the Right HONOURABLE Lord Brunckhord, Viscount Iyons in Ireland, President of the Royal Society of Phylosophers Meeting at Gresham Colledg, and the rest of that Honourable Society.
POssibly there are not wanting such who accustomed themselves to carp at all things not directly of their humour, that will (upon sight of the Title of this ensuing discourse) think it strange, that I should in an Epistle to you, treat on the case of the perishing Buildings of mortals, though you already have been entertained with observations made on the bills of mortality; as also the Vegitation of Plants, when as indeed your Apollo's Oracle-like Arcenal, may challenge the most sublime proffers of men of parts; And that if I would follow the practise of men, who tell strange things, (having been in parts remote from this Region) I should not begin with Clay, Sand and Chalk, whereof Bricks and Lime are made, and is daily digged bere at home. I should rather have set forth some accompt of Marriners, which during a year and upwards were my sole [Page] Companions on the Ocean, or the cause of the Trade Wind, which serves us to America, without shifting Sails; as also whether the starry apparition which discovers it self, when North-Pole is obscured, be that which Constantine the Emperour see, whereby he made his Victorious conclusion; 2ly How my tear-man found the Ebb & Flood all along the Coast of America, contrary to the several observations and relations of a number of Sea-men, who have maintained, that it was impossible for a ship that was fallen on that Coast below the Port (whereto it was bound) to get up again; except it tackt about one hundred of Leagues, to recover a Trade wind for the reaching a higher Course; having found (as I say) the contrary, after my Stearsman had lost time to sail five hundred Leagues beyond the River of Amazons, not to fail to cast Anchor before that of Wiapoca, Aperwack, Cawo, Wia, and finally in the Bay of Cajana; when as my Stears-man found that notwithstanding the violent stream from that River of Amazon, he was not hindred to get up again by reason of a constant ebb and flood.
Criticks knowing also that (among [Page] such Eminent Phylosophers (who like stars in the Firmament, do with the approbation of the great Apollo of this Monarchy, and his sacred influence, dive in matters most sublime) would fit more seasonably from me an account of a day of rejoycing made by wild people (who know no more of God, then that they are told of him to be a good man, who drinks Tobacco, and that if they do well, they shall go to him with their wives to drink with him, to the confusion of those who pay not their vows in obedience, as is most due to Soveraigns; which was manifested, when one of their Chiefs told me, that his sacred Ma esty was returning to His Throne, when no living creature was come from Europe into that part of America to signifie that Newes, which was (as they said) revealed unto them by their Mackbouy; it was when His Majesty was yet at Breda; whether then this truth doth not confirm, that Spirits not clogg'd with material bodies, know things most secret.
But leaving Criticks to their unnecessary scruples, I have for the present pitcht on this discourse concerning Building, and thought fit not to forget to Dedicate [Page] an Epistle to a Person of so great Honour, so great Knowledge, and particularly in that without which, a great Phylosopher of the first learned Ages would not admit any into his Accademy, to wit Geometry; a Person that understands all the Appurteinances to the Mechanicks, who hath a matchless knowledg of the building of that whereof the Original was made, by the direction of the Supream Architect, to wit, the Arke.
And this being my dis-interessed scope, I shall remain confident that this Advise to all Builders, may be usefull either to your Lordship, or to some of the Royal Society, or to any of those to whom they are bound to wish well, that they may be perswaded to beware of ill Builders, who may well deserve to be comprehended in the Bill of Mortality, since by their Exorbitances, happen many irreparable accidents, viz. Chimnies which falling through the roofs of Houses, kill good people in their beds; who contrive Rooms, Windows, and Doors, which draws upon Inhabitants ill and infectious Air, from which I shall continue to wish all men may be preserved, and profess to be,
To The Right Honourable THE LORD WILLOUBY, OF PARAM.
SOme may think it strange that this Counsel and Advise concerning Building, should also be presented to your Lordship, who mindes at this present, the Populating of such a part on the American Coast, where Houses are builded in two hours time, because they have no second story, lesse third or fourth; the Inhabitants [Page] whereof affecting no other livery then that of the first naked; and who conceive that leaves of Trees do thatch their Domiciliums with lesse danger to their naked parts, then if covered with Dutch Pan, or English-hard-burnt Tiles.
But, My Lord, I confesse (though I am seventy two years of Age) that if the Charibden could give me an Advise of life, certain as the Newes, they told me (four and a half degrees by North, the Equinoctial) of the Kings return, when at that time, yet at Breda) and that I should live as many years as quarters of the Charibden his Tooes and Fingers, which is all he can account by, I should think my little Counsel and Advise concerning [Page] Building, might yet be put in practise in those parts, where there is most rare Marble, and precious Stones, where Magazins, and Store-Houses, might be built to better use, then Casickes made of American Bambouses, whereof I cannot forbear to speak to a person of so much Honour, Knowledge, and Experience, as your Lordship is, who hath heard much of El Dorado, and if Men had minds as pleasing to God, as that they by his blessing were led to that place (which is effectively in rerum natura) the Great Cathedralls of St. Paul, and St. Peter, in this Metropolitan City might be lined as Richly as the Temple of Solomon was. And, My Lord, because things which Men do believe to be true, makes them [Page] more confident to speak them; I think that the Discourse is neither unseasonable, nor the Counsel and Advise concerning the best manner of Building, unpleasing unto your Lordship: It being Written by him, who professeth to be.
TO The Right Honourable VVILLIAM Lord CRAVEN Baron of Hamsted, Marshal.
I Shall not in this Epistle commit the faults of those Authors who crave great Persons to Patronize their books, as if Quality, Credit, and Affection could free a work from censure in the various Opinions of Men, are more then the expressing the Name of Pelican or Phaenix in a sign, when the Painter hath not represented them to the life: Cooks cannot please all Pallats alike; nor Orators, the eares of all Men. My scope in this Epistle is, to pay to your Lordship a small acknowledgement of the debt due to a Noble Person, who [Page] affects Building; and that all those whom your Lordship may think fit to imploy therein, may know what good Builders have observed, and that if they follow those Rules, they will do their duty. The study of mine, and wishes for Your Lordships satisfaction in all things shall be as constant as I am,
TO The Right Honourable CHRISTOPHER Lord HATTON, One of his Majesties most Honourable Privy Council, &c.
THis Epistle shall say somewhat more particular concerning Building in referrence to a Publick good, then all the other, which are put to this Treatise; Viz. That if your Lordship were pleased to reflect on the Proverb, Foeneratur Domino qui miseretur Pauperis, Cap. 19. v. 4. Your Lordships Building might be very fit to serve for a Bank of Loane in that part of the Suburbs of this Great City; and your Lordship would do no more then other Christian Eminent Persons in other Parts, who have bestowed both Houses, Lands, and a stock of Money [Page] for such a Publick use, whereby all necessitous persons are rescued from a perishing condition; Trade Strengthned, Encreased, and many Bankrouts prevented.
In fine, your Lordship, will not take this Relation unkindly from a person who means well, and who being past his Seventy two years of Age, is ere long (according unto the frailty of Nature) to turn his back upon the World, and is obliged ere that last moment, to leave all what possible may be to its Publick good, as I shall at all times attend your commands, in what may concern the approving me to be,
TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE DENZIL Lord HOLLIS, One of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council.
IF during your Lordships absence any of your Habitations require their over-seers, and Officers to be well and friendly advised; this little Discourse concerning that matter, may be as useful to them, as it is zealously sent to your Lordship, who hath seen several good Ones, and whose Judgement (as good as your Nature) makes a true distinction between those that are so, and are not; which admirable quality in your Lordship, will favourably dain the acceptance of this Epistle; though its but on the [Page] Subject of the well ordering of materialls for the Building of Habitations, when your Lordships great and blessed Genius conjoyntly with the other true Zealous in the Council of a Sacred Soveraign, doth cooperate to the rebuilding of a peaceable flourishing Government, wherein your Lordship, as all those of the same quality, may have successe answerable to the Zealous wishes of,
TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE Anthony Lord Ashley, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and one of his Majesties most Honourable Privy Council.
THe Nation in reference to a lively Image of the Supream sacred, by an assembly of Representatives, takes notice of your Lordships great Genius in representing Solomons Temple-like Foundations of a State, to free it from the fate of the Hebrews, Assyrians, Persians, Lacedemonians, Medes, Greeks Affricans, Romans, and even the Gots, who were sent packing by the Mores, whereof but too many (as black in mind) are left; and [Page] therefore though a poor small thing which treats but of Surveyors, Clarks of Works, Master Workmen, Materials, and their Prizes, be not of a sublime, nor of State matter; yet since from the least that lives, to the greatest Building is a main necessary, either for one conveniency or other; (My Lord) this apparent Demonstration of Zeal, and Respect is humbly offered by,
TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE Sr. John Robinson Kt. LORD MAYOR of the most Famous City of LONDON.
AS what's alleadged in the Epistle to the Reader of the Counsel and Advise to Builders doth infer, that the water of Thames, or of any Spring in the Country, may serve to temper Morter in England; so the observation of true Rules (waving all quickchaws-like-devices) to Build as well as other Nations. It will not be necessary to say thereon any more to the Chief of the Senate of this Great and Famous City; nor will the Presentation of these printed leaves, require any more Circumstances [Page] but my Zealous wishes, that next to the well Building of Publick Houses of Prayer (whereof all Nations have been carefull, those of its Inhabitants may be so well ordered, that other Nations may have just cause to send their Surveyours and Workmen to take patterns, and passe their Apprentiship in London or Westminster, where St. Paul may be rendred as Famous as St. Peter at Rome; As King Henry the Seventh's Chappel in St. Peter at Westminster, (who quarrels not on the point of Precedency) is Famous over all Europe, and Esteemed by all good Builders; and that all may answer the same, is the Zealous wishes of,
TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE Henry Howard Esq
YOu that know what good Building is, both by a Genius, which through a Golden Channel sprung from the great Duke of Norfolke, was infused into your Spirit, like by your particular applications to all things answerable thereunto, would condemn this Messenger, if he should not deliver his Erant at your Palace, where he calls neither on Porter nor Butler [Page] to draw him in as an Erasmus was at the Lord Chancellour Moores, to drink in Hell, as he said, out of a Leather Jack; He desires only to hear the words Ben Venuto, and its Author to pass for,
TO Mr. HARBERT ESQUIRE, Heir Apparent to the RIGHT HONOURABLE the Lord POWIS.
THe Ensuing Discourse is not presented to your view, as a shape seen on the brow of a Hill, which faceth the Valley of Essen; It's true, that cannot (as this) fall; that cannot (by the carelesness of Grooms) be set on fire; and therefore on that matter, to a Person of your Noble Birth and Retinue) one who considereth your merits, is obliged to recommend to such, who may be entrusted with your Building; that Stables, and even Kitchens ought to be separated from the main body of a Palace, the Stable without any question; in particular Mansion-Houses, the Kitchens may be so well disposed, as that they may be at hand, and yet not be an anoyance, which made the [Page] Great Henry the Fourth, the French King say in a double sense to some of his Courtiers, who did accompany his Royal Person to see a good Seat in the Country, and found fault with the compactnesse of the Kitchen, Ventre St. Gris cest le bon menagement de la Cuisine qui a fait la grande Mayson: Furthermore (Honoured Sir) you will see in a former Printed Discourse, concerning the three Chief Principles of Magnificent Buildings, what you may perchance finde seasonable; and whereon I shall explaine my self somewhat more at the end of the leaves, bearing the Rates of Materials necessary to the Works, and conclude this with my humble Respects to your self, as being,
To the Honourable Sir Kenelm Dighby, Knight, Chancellour to Her Gracious Majesty, the QUEEN MOTHER.
THe Greatest Practisers of Musick, who live at Lisbon, & in all the Algarves, are reported to repair A las Orillas de la Mar, to sing as loud as possibly they can, to hear whether it sounds well: To you whose deep judgment could not suffer your Eyes to fix on slight objects as too many Travellers have done, to you, whose fame, to my experimental knowledge, caused the greatest Vertuosi to busie their admiration, as eminent as the true successour of Thales, who found the North for Navigation, the Division of Years, the Proportion of the Sun and Moon, that Souls [Page] are Immortal; who answered the Question, what God is, viz. To be the eldest of all Antiquities; the World the most beautifull Object, Place the biggest, Time most knowing, God, Virtue, and Truth the strongest.
To you as to other Worthies of the Age, is offered this liule Counsel and Advise concerning Building; for you have seen the various rarieties of Frescati, Caprarola, Vigna Lodowizi, and all what is rare throughout all Italy and other parts of Europe; and therefore as you can judge right of this matter, so recommend the Advise given concerning the same to your friends, which may be a benefit unto them; and this is all that is aimed at by me,
TO Sr. Edward Walker, Knight, Guarter, Principal King of Armes, and one of the Clarks of his Majesties most Honourable Privy Council.
MEn that study nought but to carp at all, will perchance pretend, that I should not Present a Discourse concerning Building to a King of Arms, but rather a Treaty concerning the Antiquity and Origine of Herauldry: That the Romans before Marius had in their Banners (to distinguish them in Romulus time, from other Nations) no more then a bundle of Hay, to which succeeded a Hand, and a bundle of leaves, with the Motto on their Banner. [Page] S. P. Q. R. Godefrey de Bullon put on the Coat or Mantle which he did wear over his defensive Armour, three white Eagles shot through with an Arrow, the Motto, Soit Dieu, soit le hazard; and said, That he would wear no Crown of Gold, because the Saviour of the World had but one of Thorns.
But to return to the first Romans, that Constantine the great did Coat a double-headed-Eagle, for having made a Seat at Constantinople, and kept also that at Rome, that the Coat was afterwards changed, because the Empire was divided into two.
And as for the French, that they reckon their descent from Francion, second Son to Hector, who did Coat a Lion, gul, field Or.
That the black Toades were taken up by Marcomir, second King [Page] of the Sicambres, who had vanquisht a Walon King whose Coat was three Toades, Sable field Or.
That Clovis (who became a Christian) did Coat number of Flourde-lis, because (as the fable saith) an Angel (by the hand of an Hermite of Journal) did give them; Others, that he had obtained a Victory in a Field, wherein great quantity of yellow Lilies did grow; and that finally Charles the Sixth, the fifty fourth French King, did reduce them to three on the perswasion of his Herauld, who had told him, Qui plus a moins porte.
But should Time and Paper be spent to relate what is so well, and particularly known by you, it would savour of Vanity, and therefore I shall say no more, but that if you, or your friends do affect Building, this Counsel and Advise may perhaps [Page] be seasonable, neither will so discreet a person (by all men) highly praised and beloved for his Integrity, and real good disposition to oblige all men, misconster the respects of him who, professeth to be,
TO Sr. PETER KILLEGREW KNIGHT.
DUring your Journeys to Spain, objects of note could not escape your particular Observations; as St. Jeronimo called the Escurial, which hath almost as many Courts, as some Palaces Roomes, and is a Body Solid like a Rock; Nor will the Magnificent Seilings, and Carved Doors of the Palace at Sigovia have mist your Annotations; So that this Treatise of Building, [Page] cannot likewise but be acceptable to you, as directed to a Person who can with more conveniency acquaint his Grace the Duke of Albemarle, of what use it may prove to those that will not spend time, money, nor materials in vain; which is also one of the causes of producing it unto you,
TO Sr. THOMAS WINDEBANK KNIGHT. One of the Clarks of the SIGNET.
AMong such as know by experience what demolishing is, Counsel and Advise to Re-build may be welcome; but I cannot pass the remembrance of a Fable that several Nations having craved, it might for six weeks time rain good Noses: The Grecians the readiest at hand had their choice, the Romans the next, but the silly Black-Moores (living in remote parts) were the last, and therefore constrained to gather such Noses as had been trod on.
Of those Blacks the Generation still are in esse, and there are certain malicious spirits who make men black, though they be never so white, and though their Noses are as straight as an Arrow, they [Page] will strive to perswade people they were crooked.
But now an Apollo-like Prince, (who casts his most benigne influence on men) is accessible, its time (as the old saying) to make Hay; Re-build therefore as fast as others, what a destroying Age hath demolisht, and if in your Building, you want instructions for your Clark; pray let him make use of this Manual heartily Offered by,
TO Sr. PHILIP WARWICK KNIGHT.
YOu have many Years past been known to possess a Genius capable of all good Impressions, and therefore I thought it not beyond the purpose (but suitable to the Acknowledgement of the particular Esteem, I am oblidged to make of Virtues excelling in Men) to offer you this Little Treatise [Page] being sufficiently convinc'd of your Judgement in all particulars, not doubting but you will believe me to be,
To Sr. JOHN BABER Kt.
one of his sacred Majesties Physitians in Ordinary, Establisht by Letters Pattents under the great Seal of England, and one of the Fellows of the Colledge of London.
I Look not for particular thanks for the Presenting this Manual to you as to others; It's but to express the rescents of my Obligation for your having made good the saying of the Ecclesiastes concerning Persons of your Capacity; For they shall also pray unto the Lord, that he would prosper, that which they give for ease and remedy to prolong life, which you did in that person, whom it had pleased the Almighty to suffer me to enjoy, during the space of 43 Years, and to whom I ow this true Testimony; that during so many years time, she never gave me any just cause of discontent; But to the contrary, to wish that you might long before the encrease of her indisposition, have been invited for the lengthening of her days in this World; where truly I should not spend time about Notes concerning Building, when the wishes of the great Apostle urgeth [Page] men to think more on a desolution; were not preservation the first fundamentall Principle of man? And doth not the Scripture command to mind it, as it doth very particularly point at the Physitians, who doth know, what those various, most admirable dimentions in the Microcosme do require: And that as it is a good Aire which coroborates the most subtile parts of that Master. Piece of the great Architect of Heaven and Earth; A House to a whole Family ought to be so contrived, as to enjoy that general necessary benefit. In which respect the offer of this Discourse concerning Building may be said proper to you, and my reason therein not to be gain-said by malicious Criticks, who are wont to feed on flowers of the most sweet scent, and may to your Honey-Bee-like disposition, this be so from,
TO Mr. POVY, Treasurer to his Royal Highness the Duke of York
YOu are known and reputed to be (as the Virtuosi say) a lover of Art; The inside of your Habitation speaks it, and truly one good inside is to be prefered before a hundred of such as signifie but a show of something; the love one hath to Musick argueth a well composed Harmonius mind; so the love to Art (consisting in perfect Rules, [Page] Dimensions and Formes) infers the party to be a true Rational, who blusheth not at the Bees their Geometricall contrivances even in the dark.
I do present you with one of the Examples for true Building; I hope you will reflect on it as coming from,
TO Mr. WILDES.
KNowing what Building is, and shown it at your owne Charge, this Little Treatise is then (as I do conceive) well addrest to you, without any tedious repetitions in this Epistle; nor doth the Treatise (by many Lines) entrench on the time and patience [Page] of a Reader; It recommends to a good Clark of the Works, to see the Workmen perform what they know ought to be done to Build well; and this cannot be offensive to men that mean so, nor more then the respects of,
To Master William Wine.
HEre is an Epistle to you, a lover of that which Marc Varro saith; was the second thing accepted by all the world, to wit, Letters wch the Aegyptians did attribute unto them, though the Assyrians would have the glory thereof, by them are taught to speak well, though they are mute; and what good seasonable speech is, Papirus found in, the Senate of Rome; Grotius by Henry the great, at the 14th year of his Age. And you will no doubt (having begun betimes) continue to proceed vigorously in all virtuous exercises, and make good (in the Royal Society of Phylosophers at Gresham Colledge) that you are not of those who content themselves with gilt out sides of books, but every day to remember the great Artist in the drawing of a line, whereby he meant a continual exercise to perfection, the scope of True Knowledge. I must therefore by this Epistle (whereby I do send to you as to others, this little Manual) freely [Page] tell you, that though never the hand of man could draw a perfect Line, (himself being imperfect) yet must a lover of perfection strive to do his best, both in straight lines in the Military Art (which you have studied) and the ground-plats for an Habitation. But those Lines must be visible, no affected ones, nor small as a hair, since Courtaines, Bastions, and Contrescarps, are to be traced for old eyes, as well as for young adventurers. Nor are the lines for the groundplats of Houses to serve for Castles in the air: And therefore good Drauftsmen do express them strongly, what is to be built in Brick by a red line, what with Stone white, what Partitions in Timber-colour, a mote-like water, Gravel walks, (or others) accordingly, that the Workmen may have the less cause to excuse; Which I thought fit to note, wishing you all encrease of Virtue, being,
TO THE Courteous Reader.
WHere as all Creatures from the Mole (that hath no great sight) to the most Argus like above ground, are continually a Building, and stand in need of Mechanical more then of Phylosophical Rules: This little Manual doth therefore point at the Choise of Surveyors, the duty of Clarks of the Works, Brick-layers, Masons, Carpenters, &c. who must be spoken unto in plain intelligible termes, for that divers Work-men ressemble those, whereof the Ecclesiastes, faith, That when a Tale is told, then they will say, What is the matter? This Manual doth both now and then proffer a word or two to cherish the Readers patience, for that bare names of Materials, [Page] of Forms, and several parts of works will too soon tire Noble Persons; Nor is this present Age void of number of Authors, who have written more on Architecture then any Clark of the Works will have time to learn by Art: These summary Notes will serve for such as are intrusted by Owners of Building, that they may the better perform their task, and have more credit with the several Master Workmen, who do love to be spoken unto in their own phrases; And Owners of Buildings their Trustees, Stewards, and Pay-Masters being possest with the Rates of Materials, will be more at rest, than otherways if they should be to seek, to make perpetual enquiries after them, and be vext with ill grounded reports.
Furthermore, you may gather out of this Treatise, a Pozie pleasing to your scent, and leave the gleanings, [Page] which are most proper to Mechanicks concerned therein, until a large work (with Copper Plates) shall have had time to be put forth, wherein not only shall be represented in compleat measure, the Forms of all Moulding of Orders, Columns, Ornaments for Doors, and Windows, Court, Houses, and Gardinggates, and with all some Fronts, and Dimensions of Houses both in a City, and in the Country; Churches, Towns, Houses and Steeples, with all necessary Appurtenances thereunto belonging; As also the charges a Builder may be at, according unto the extent and height of a Building, either made of Stone, Brick, or mixt.
You will have no just cause to infer, that when the best Building is mentioned (according to the Grecian and Roman manner) that therefore English Labonrers shall [Page] need go with their Buckets to fill them at the Tiber, less to the Scaene at Paris, to temper their Morter well, nor your Surveyors, nor Master-Workmen to be vext with things ala-node, if they will but observe Rules, Dimensions, and Forms, which are not to be mended, less contradicted.
And as for the number of Epistles which are put to this Manual.
Anthoni peres (once Secretary of State to Philip the second King of Spain) was a president for the putting of many Epistles to a Treaty, which he Dedicated not onely to Eminent Persons in Spain, but also in France and England; 'twas his Peregrino, the main whereof represented a Demolisht Body: The scope of this is contrary to that, being about Building; his was a personal interest, this a Publick: It's therefore [Page] the more freely offered to a number of Persons, who either themselves, or friends may have occasion to make use of it; It's freely offered as to the upper, so to the lower end of a Table, like a fresh gathered Fruit; and none of those who are pleased to accept it, are craved to Patronize it, it being held most unfit for any Authour to crave, since no man is bound to answer for faults committed by another.
A Brief Discourse, concerning the three chief Principles of Magnificent Building, viz. Solidity, Conveniency, and Ornament.
WHereas Building is much minded in these times, I thought fit to publish some Principles thereon, which may stand the lovers of [Page 2] it instead. Yet without spending time and Paper to Note how a Point, Line, Angle, Demi-circle, Cube, Plint, Baze, Pedestal, Colombe, Head, Architrave, Frize, Cornice, or Frontispiece must be made; and what Dimensions all those several parts (a Point excepted) must have, since all Master-Workmen ought to remember) as Schollars their Grammer, and Arithmatitions their Table) how every Particle must have its just proportion; and that the height of Windowes and Doores must be double their breadth; and also to be carefull to maintain the due esteem of their Art, since its Dimensions and Rules came directly from Heaven, when the great Architect and Surveyor of Heaven and Earth, prescribed the Rules and particular Orders for the [Page 3] Building of a floating-Pallace, (Noahs Ark) and the glorious matchlesse Temple of Solomon, the perfect House of Prayer.
And therefore such Precedents may serve to convince those who say, That a wise-man never ought to put his finger into Morter, since there is a necessity for Building, especially among Nations who do not, or cannot live in Caves and hollow Trees, or as the Wilde Indians, who have no other Roofs but of Palmito-Leaves, nor Wainscot, but Bambouses, as they call the Poles to which they tye a Woollen Hammac to lye in.
There are three Capitall Points to be observed by men, who intend to Build well:
| VIZ, | Solidity. |
| Conveniency. | |
| Ornament. |
[Page 4] Those who have Marshald the Orders of Colombs (to make good the first Point) have Ranged the Toscan to be the Supporter of a Building, but such an Atlas must stand on a firm Ground, not as ill Builders place Colombs (either of Brick or Stone) like things Patcht or glewed against a Wall, and for the most part against the second Story of a Building, (contrary to the very Gothish Custome, who at least did begin their Buttrises from the Ground) as if their intent were, that the weight of the Colombs should draw down the Wall, on the heads of those that passe by.
Such Builders confound the first and essential point of Building, (to wit, Solidity, with Ornament and Conveniency.)
They will make a shew of some thing, but misse thereby (as ill [Page 5] Bow-men) the Mark: They may perchance have heard of rare Buildings, nay, seen the Books of the Italian Architects, have the Traditions of Vignola in their Pockets, and have heard Lectures on the Art of Architecture, which have laid before them the most necessary Rules, as also the Origine of the severall Orders of Colombs, and Discourses made thereon; that the Toscan is as the Hercules, so of the Jonic and Corinthian; the first of the two to Resemble the Dressing of the Daughters of Jonio, who had Twists of Hair on both sides of their Cheeks. The Corinthian Heads to represent a Basket with Acante Leaves, and the Guttered Colombs, the Pleats of Daughter and Womens Cloaths.
That the Grecians (in remembrance of their Victories) did [Page 6] Range the Colombs in their Buildings, to represent the number of Slaves which they had taken; the Grains, Beads, Drops, Pendants, Garlands, Enterlaced-Knots, Fruitage, and an infinite number of Ornaments, which are put on the Frize, to signifie the Spoiles which the Victors had brought away from their Enemies; and to preserve the Memory thereof, did place them on their Buildings, that they might also serve for a true History.
But none of such Ornaments were ever impediments to the strength or convenience of a Building, for they were so handsomly and well contrived, as once the Dutchesse of Cheiveruse (a French Lady) said of the English Females, that they had a singular grace to set their Ornaments right and handsomly.
[Page 7] The Babarians and naked Tapoyers, Caripowis, Alibis, (and several Charibdiens) do place Pendants in their Nostrils, which are proper for the Eares; and these hinder not the use of the Lips, which ought to be observed by all Builders.
And as for the inside of Fabricks, Builders should in the first place set the Doors, Chimnies, and Windows, as may be most convenient for use.
Builders ought to be not onely experimented in House-keeping, but also good Naturalists, to know (before they spend time and Materials) the required Property to every part of a Building. A Doore to be so set as it may not convey the Wind toward the Chimny or Bedstead, though opened never so little.
The Windows to be so placed, [Page 8] as that the Fire made in the Chimney, may not attract the Aire and Moysture, and so prove the unwholesomest part of the Room for those that are near the Fire; Which was the main reason why the great Isabella Infanta of Spain (King Philip the Seconds Daughter, who Governed the Provinces of Brabant, Flanders, Arthois, and Haynault, during her many years Residence at Bruxells, (being prepossessed with a prejudice, never approached a Fire to warm her self; till at last being through wet (going a Procession in a great Rain, and by a Visit made by Mary of Medicis, Queen Mother to Lewis 13th, just as she returned to her Pallace) had no time to Shift her, she was constrained to approach the Fire to dry her self, and few dayes after she fell sick and died upon it: which
[Page 9] Relation being very true, and happening in the time that I resided for the King of blessed memory in that Court, I thought fit to mention, to preswade all Noble and curious Builders, to place their Doors, Windows, and Chimnies in their proper places.
An though it be not my defign in this small Discourse to Treat of Dimensions (which are fit for a Primar to Apprentices,) Yet I cannot desist (by reason of the West-Indian Herican-like-windes which happened February last, to preswade all Builders to forbear the Building any more those exorbitant Chimney-Shafts, which when they fall, break both Roofs and Sealings of Roomes, and kill good People in their Beds: since a Chimney some two Foote higher than the Ridges of the Roof of a Building, (which is not overtopt [Page 10] by a Church or Steeple, or some other eminency,) is as good a conveyance for the smoak, as any of a greater hight. Neither are those high Shafts of Chimnies real Ornaments to a Building, much lesse to the Pallace of a Soveraign: nor do the Germane Travellers of this Age any more fill (as formerly) their Table-Books with the number of them, as they were very carefull to note the Names of their Hoafts, where the best Wine was, and when they tasted that called Lagrima-Christi, they moaned and askt why he did not weep in their Countrey. Its true, that the least addicted to Bibbing, did put in their Stam-Books the Dimentions of the Pantheon and of the Amphitheaters; as also of Caprarola, Frascati, and such Magnificent Structures above Ground in Italy, and under [Page 11] Ground La Piscina Admirabile, La Grotta de la Sibila Cumana, Bagni de Cicerone, cente Camere, ele Sepulture delli nobili Antichi. But they are now tought by Tutors to observe the Inside of Men, and Buildings. And as the best Ornaments of a Face appears at first sight by the Eyes, Mouth, and Nose; so doth the best qualities of a perfect Building, by Windowes, and Doors well placed, as also by a large, magnificent, commodious, and well-set Staircase.
Noble, magnificent, and commodious Staircases, must in the first place participate of a Noblemans manner of Pace and Attendance.
There is no man of sound Limbs (and that hath a gallant Gate) but lifts his Toes at least four Inches, when he goeth an ordinary easie [Page 12] Pace; so that if two steps (each four Inches high) be eighteen Inches broad, or deep, which makes six and thirty Inches the two (the just measure of a mans two steps,) they may be ascended from the first Floor, to the higher Story, as if a man walked on a level ground.
2. Those Staires ought to be so long, that the Attendants on each side the Noble Person, Prince or Soveraign, may not be streightned for roome.
Such were the Monarchlike Staires of the Pallace of Darius and Cyrus the Great, at Chelminor in Persia near Saras, the Metropolitan between Ormus and Espahan. I do speak indeed of a Pallace without comparison to any other, the Walls of Circumvallation of that Pallace, being four and twenty foot thick, and the Staires (as [Page 13] yet in esse) are fourty foot long, in number an hundred and eight, of Circular Form, and of so easie an Accesse, as that Travellers do ascend them on Horseback.
King James of blessed memory could not have been so much in danger of an Onset in a Paire of Staires, larger enough for a Noble Retinue to his Person, as he was in a narrow Pair, which History mentions.
Neither had William Prince of Orange been so easily Shot at Delff in Holland, descending a narrow Pair of Staires.
4. A Noble Paire of Staires should have a Cupelo, and no Windowes on the sides, which for the most part serve but for Rude and Unadvised Men to break.
In some Pallaces and Noble [Page 14] Mens Houses, Too many Staires and back-Doorss (as the old English Proverb) makes Thieves and Whores. And the setting the Front of a Building towards the North-West, and a Pallace, like Cardinal Wolseyes ill-placed one (now called Whitehall) on a low ground by the River side) makes work for Physitians, Apothecaries, Surgeons, Coffen and Grave-makers.
But as for a Seate on Morish Grounds (except the Builders observe the practice of those of Venice (in Italy) and Amsterdam (in Holland) who bestow more Timber of Oake in the Foundation of one, than in the Building of six Houses,) in effect 'tis to Build perpetually, leaving to their Posterity to prop and redresse their ill grounded Buildings; and they may well be rankt with the Duke [Page 15] of Arscot, who built much in Brabant, and (in a merry humour) designed in his Will ten Thousand Gilders per annum, to support and alter what he had Built amisse.
I must also advise Builders on high Grounds, to cause their Surveyors to search for Springs, and shun them; which serve better to fill up Glasses to allay the Vapours of Gascony Wines, than to make a Pond in a Sellar.
Builders ought also to be very curious. and carefull in the choice of the place to build a Seat on, for good Prospect, well Garnisht with Woods, and the Water at hand, not too near, nor too far from a City or Town.
Item, I must wish all Princes and Noble Persons who are resolved to Build Palaces and Seats answerable to their quality, to imitate [Page 16] those who in the Heathen age were so carefull in the ordering of the Structure of their Stone Images, especially of their Saturn, Jupitur, Apollo, Mars, Neptune, (and all their Fry of wanton Godesses) as to empannel a Jury of Philosophers, Naturalists, Physiognomists and Anatomists, who were to direct the Sculptors how to Represent those Images. And so I would wish Builders to proceed in the contriveing the Models of their intended Fabrick, to wit, to consult (as those of Amsterdam did in the making the Model of their Town-House, divers experimented Architects, though they pitcht for the Front on the worst of all.
Item., Before the Workmen, make use of Materials, and not to Build at Randome, as the Custome of too many ill Builders is; And when once the Model is approved, [Page 17] never to alter, nor to pull down what hath been well begun, nor to hearken to the diversity of opinions, which have been, and are the causes of many Deformities and Extravagancies in Buildings; and especially those who seem to have had for Models Bird-Cages, to jump from one Roome into the other by Steps and Tressels, to cause Men and Women to stumble.
And the sides all of Glasse (like Spectacles) the glasse Windowes of small Payns, with great store of Lead, to draw the more Wind and Moisture from the open Aire within Doores. As also Windowes with store of Iron Casements, which rust, and never shut close, Notwithstanding all the various devices of Smiths, to catch Money out of the Builders Purses, contrary to the [Page 18] good custome in Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and the Low-Countreys, which certainly for plurality of Voices should be believed, and followed.
Those Nations cause their glasse Windows to be fitted in woodden Casements treble riveted, to keep out Wind and Rain; they are lined with woodden Shutters, and have double boarded Shutters without, to resist all the violence of the Weather and Thieves.
Let no man mistake these Windows for woodden Casements, for such are usually seen here in England in old woodden Houses, the Casements scarce above one Foot and a half high, tottering things; for these are substantially, strongly, and curiosly made Casements; nor are the woodden Shutters such Pastboard-like [Page 19] things, as are generally put on the outside of the Windows on the London and Suburbs Houses, but duble-Deal well-riveted Windows, with substantiall Locks, Bolts, and Hinges, and a double Iron Bar, with a Bolt fixt in the middle of them both.
Nor do good builders affect partitions of Lime and Hair in their Houses, nor any of their Bricks to be daubed over with finishing-Morter.
The Romanes are very curious in the tempering their Morter, and in the laying it as thin as possibly they can, to prevent the sinking and bending of their Walls, which the laying of their Morter too thick doth cause; and experience sheweth, that when some Walls are taken down in England, half of the [Page 20] substance is Sand and Dust.
The Romanes (as likewise the Grecians before them) did not make use of their Lime, at the same time it was slakt, but for six Moneths time suffered to putrifie, and so putrified composed a Seiment, which joyned with Stone (or Brick) made an inseparable union, and such strong work as I have seen Iron-Tools break on the old Morter of the Amphitheaters at Verona and Rome.
Their manner of preparing Lime is to lay it in Cesternes the one higher than the other, that the Water (after it hath been so stirred as that it is well mixt and throughly liquid) may drayn from one Cistern to the other, and after six Moneths time (the Lime having evacuated its putrefaction) remains [Page 21] purified, and then they mix two parts of Lime with one part of Sand, and makes that strong and pure Morter, which if practised in England would make a wondrous strong Union, especially if the Clay-makers did beat the Clay as it ought to be, the English Clay being better than the Italian, nay the best in the world.
They are very carefull in the making large and deep Foundations, and to let the Walls raised on the Foundations rest and settle a good while before they proceed to the second Story.
Some of our Carpenters have learned to lay Boards loose for a time, the Italians and other Nations are not sparing therein, they nayl them as if for good and all, but rip or take them up again, to fit them for the second time.
[Page 22] As I said before, no Building is begun before a mature Resolve on a compleat finisht Modell of the entire design: the Builder having made choice of his Surveyor, and committed to him all the care and guidance of the work, never changeth on the various opinions of other men, for they are unlimited, because every mans conceits are answerable to their profession, and particular occasion.
A Soveraign or any other Landlord, is then guided by naturall Principles, as well as by his own Resolve, taken on a long considered Modell, because they know (by experience) how suddain changes are able to cause monstrous effects.
They know that a well experienced Surveyor must not be disturbed in his task, and undertaking, [Page 23] but as the Silk Worm and the Soul of Man, the first in his Husk, the second in the Womb, wherein both the one and the other (by the powers of the great Architect and Director of all things) works out his own compleat Fabrick, if not interrupted; but if interrupted by any outward accident, it happens that those passions become the originall causes of exorbitant Features and Forms. An Item for all Builders to suffer a good Architect quietly to pursue his task, if he understands it.
It hath been observed among the French (a Nation as much addicted to changes as any) that when the charge of an undertaking hath been committed to many, it caused but confusion, and therefore its a [Page 24] saying among them, Trop de Cuisineirs gattent le pottage, Too many Cooks spoils the Broth.
I shall not spend time, and transgresse on the Readers patience, concerning the making of Clay, and burning of Bricks, only say, that it imports much the Clay should be well wrought, before it be put in the Mould: experience hath also taught Brickmakers to have them of such a length, thicknesse and widenesse, that four of them (together with the Morter thereunto belonging) may raise a Foot.
As for Free-stone, Portland Stone works well, and makes a good union with Bricks, yet cannot be compared with Marble, nor to the Blewish Stone of the Quarries of Leige and Namur, But 'tis also certain, that this Climate makes Marble it self to Moulder very [Page 25] much: as for example, the Cain and Abel in York-House Garden, which did not Moulder when it stood in that of the Duke of Larma at Valedolid in Spain, the coldnesse (together with the moistnesse of this Clime) being of a contrary operation to the temper of the Aire in Italy and Spain. And therefore when Builders see their Copings; Water-table, Cornishes. Railes, and Balisters to decay, they must have patience, since there is no Meterial but is subject thereunto, and that Rails and Balisters (either on the top of the Walls of a Frontispiece, or in Belconies, though never so well Painted in Oyle, and of the best seasoned Timber,) but must be renewed at fourty or fifty years end.
Builders ought to calculate the Charges of their designed Building, and especially with what [Page 26] Summe of Money they are willing to part, and yet remember to imitate some Philosophical Humorist, who resolves to venture on a pretty thing called a Handsome Lady, without which their Fate seems to tell them they cannot live, and therefore makes an account beforehand that all things will not precisely answer his expectation. But on the contrary, the Lady instead of being a good Houswise, (and an assistant) proves expensive, and an impediment. And if it prove otherwise, he will be a great gayner by the bargain; for let Builders put their design to Master-Workmen by the Great, or have it Wrought by the Day, either the Workmen will over-reach themselves, or the Builder will be over-reached.
Charity to the one, and respect to the other, moves me to keep [Page 27] the rest in my Pen, yet shall never be backward to inform either of them in the ear what may be the best for them to choose.
But I must freely advise all Builders in general, never to begin to Build on a Ground before it be Purchased, as the late Duke of Buckingham did at York-House, where there hath been much daubing and breaking through old rotten decayed Walls; first to make a Ladies Closet on the corner of a Wall where a Butteryses stood; and which was taken away for the Closet, intended only at first for a Closet of case, and to serve untill the Archbishop of York could be perswaded to accept as good a Seat as that was, in lieu [...] of the same, which could not be so so [...] compassed, as the Duke of Buckingham had occasion to make use of Rooms, to entertain (according [Page 28] to the Dignity of a prime Minister of State) forreign Princes and Embassadors; so as on a suddain, all the Butterises that upheld that rotten Wall were thrown down, the Seeling of Roomes supported with Iron-bolts, Belconses clapt up in the old Wall, daubed over with finishing Morter, and all this (as a Toadestoole growethin a night) to serve untill a Model for a Solid Building (to stand even with the Street) were made, and to be Built or such Stone as the Portico or Water. Gate at the River side is, and this was done on a Morish Ground, whereon no New Building could stand any time without Proppings, which was contrary to the main. Principle of good Building.
I must proceed and conclude with my humble respects concerning Palaces of Soveraigne Princes, [Page 29] which must differ as much from other Buildings, as their quality and condition from that of their Subjects.
And in the first place, as Solidity must be the first Principle in all good Building; so much more ought it to be observed in that of Soveraigns, unto whom the whole world hath accesse.
And as there must be spacious Ground before their Palaces, their Inner-Court ample, the Offices for their Retinue large and commodious, and so placed as they may neither be an aunoyance nor of ill aspect.
The first Stories ought rather to be vaulted than boarded, to prevent such an accident as happened to Lewis 13th French King, (and his Queen at a Ball,) when the Floore of the Roome (with all the Company) fell down; the [Page 30] King and Queen only remaining (by a special Providence) on the Hearth of the Chimny, setting under the Cloath of State.
And as there is a necessary Magnificence to be exprest on the Front and inside of Princely Buildings, answerable to their greatnesse; so is it absolutely necessary, that the Architect be possest with a Soul as great as the Player in the French Play, called the Virionaries, where he perswades himself to be Alexander, and governs his Motions accordingly. And the Lines and Strokes of the Architect must be Alexander-like: his Figures and Statues Colosses, his Pyrimidis like those of Aegypt, and the Vaults like that Rock wherein Alexander and Darius wrastle for Mastery in a Valley in Persia, between Babylon and Espahan, at a place called Carimonshahan, [Page 31] where formerly was a great City six English Miles long; in which Groto, the Alexander-like mind of the Sculptor, hath Hewn within the Rock, (besides Alexander on Horseback, and a number of Huntsmen and Ladies) the aforesaid Alexander and Darius wrastling to break a Ring between them.
Such a like mind Prince Thomas of Savoy, (Sonne to the Great Emanuel of Savoy) infused into his Architect, Sculptor, and Caster in Brasse, who he imployed in the Designing and Building a Stable in Turin, within all of Marble, the Racks, Manger, and the upright Posts all of Copper, Richly Wrought, Conveyances of Water Pipes. The Manger fourteen Inches wide at the bottom, to contain a Pale for Water on all occasions. The upper most edge of the [Page 32] Manger three foote eight Inches high from the Ground, to accustom the Neapolitan great Saddle-Horse to raise their Neck. The Rack Poles three Inches asunder and upright, that as the Frenchman saith, (L'appetit vient en mangeant) the Horse may feed more chearfully, the Hay and Dust may not fall on their Heads, as it doth out of a Rack which stands shelving: the under part of the Manger ought to be made up to keep in their Litrers, and no Boxes made there for Dogs, as some not curious do, where no Harnesses, Saddles, Coverings of Horses, or any other Implements or Tooles, are not to seen about the Postern, since those things do but impede the Accesse of a Cavallier to the Horses.
The disposing a Stable into a double Range, hath been affected [Page 33] by some, who would see all their Horses at once.
Others love only a single Range, whith a broad Walk, and if they have a great number of Horses, returne at the end into another Range, if the Ground can afford the same, so as a Wall makes the Partition between the Horses.
The Paving of such a Stable is very neat, being of white or yellow (twice burnt) Flanders Bricks, in Dutch called Clinkart; farre beyond Planking of Stables, for divers Reasons. The Paviors (after the Bricks are laid) throw sharp Sand over them, and twice a day they are Watered with a Gardeners Watering-Pot, and Swept with a Broom, which the Grooms are to continue sometimes, because the Sand gets between the Joynts, and makes the Paving very close and firm. The Pavement [Page 34] at the Foot of the Manger, must be raised at the least six Inches higher, than at the Gutter where the Posts are placed, which ought to be five Foot and an half distant one from the other, which Ground so Paved is of double use; first, that the higher a Horse stands towards the Manger, the better sight it is, and especially when the Lights of the Stable strikes on the Horse their backs, which is the better Light.
Secondly, That a Horse its usual standing place being so much shelving, accustomes the Horse (reposing more on his hinder Feet than on the foremost) to be more light and nimble in his Gate and Pace.
Thirdly, That his Stall doth not remain under him, and especially when its standing hath eight foot in length from the Manger to the [Page 35] Channel, which for neatnesse ought to be above Ground, the eight Foot in length, being at full the space which the Horse doth possess when in the night time he lyeth stretcht on his Litter.
I must not omit by way of Queries, to Write somewhat concerning the Kitchin of a Princely Pallace, viz. Whether there should not be as much curiosity, if not more in the Kitchin than in the Stable; since the Meat prepared in a Kitchin, ought to be Drest with all Neatnesse, and preferred before a fine Lace about the Master Cooks Towel: Neither are the Vessels of Silver but in reference to the Neatnesse which ought to be observed in all Cookery. The French-Mans Glasse is wrenched as often as he Drinks, and why should not Cooks be more Curious and Neat in their [Page 36] Kitchins, than Grooms in their Stables? And as a Stable can have conveyances for the Horses Water, so may Kitchins for Slabbering, for Guts of Fowls and Deer, Coles, Ashes, and whatsoever else can cause Dirt and Nastiness, and be freed from the annoyance of Smoak, which ill-placed Doors may cause; nor ought the Kitchin or other Offices and Selleridge, (as in some Palaces in France) to be so placed as they may prove prejudiciall to the Court, and if they are underneath a Palace they ought to be vaulted.
I must not forget that the Roof of a Palace should be covered either with Lead or blew Slates.
The Pantheon at Rome was covered with Brass, which a Pope melted to cast Canons, no such as only eat, drink and sing.
No curious eye can well indure [Page 37] those Barn-like Roofs of many Noble Persons Palaces, covered with red Tiles, which break and rot away, and then the Roof being mended and patcht, seems to be a Beggars Mantell, which I would not have the Nobles and Courtiers to be. See the Roofs of Lester, Newport, Southampton, and such like their Palaces, whether they do not look as Barns for Hay, and not Pybald, by their patched Tiles?
As for the main bulk of Palaces, its, true some have a greatnesse in plainnesse, as that of Farners in Rome, whereof Michael Ang elo made the Arcitrave, Frize and Cornish.
And as for Bignesse and Solidty, that of St. Jeronimo, and Escuriall in Spain; for Ornament, Munikch in Bavaria; the Louver at Paris for Vastnesse, Situation and Ornament, by the imbossed Imagery on the [Page 38] Frontispiece, variety of Orders of Colombs, with the delight of the annexed Tuilleries, wherein as especially in that of the Palace of the Duke of Orleance, but above all in the Cardinals their Vignas in Rome, is observed the form of a true Princely Garden, consisting not only in much Air, great plots of Grass, low Borders, large Gravell-Walks, but for close Walks, Fountains, Groves, and Statuaes, to make good the Italian saying, Per variar natura é bella. And as for the imbossed carved Imagery on the Frontispiece of a Palace, their Dimensions must be according unto their distance from the Ground; which is the main point requisite to be observed also in Scheames, wherein divers undertakers commit very great faults, not only by the not reducing whatsoever is represented to the true Lines of Perspective, [Page 39] but also by omitting the giving such Proportions to things, as may satisfie the sight of all the Spectators at their severall distances; for Excellency doth not consist in vastnesse, nor in the quantity of Objects, nor Shapes, nor Colours.
The Sphear in an Angle of a great Chamber in St Pedro èVaticano in Rome confirms this truth, and every judicious Eye will be satisfied therewith. Seas must not only be seen to have a naturall motion, but heard to make a noise of breaking of their Waves on the shore, and against the Rocks. Cloudes must not only drive, but be transparent, Winds, Thunder, Lightning, Rain, Snow, and Hail, must be so heard, seen, and felt, as that Spectators may think those sights to be naturall operations. The Sun, Moon, and Stars, no Past-board devices, [Page 40] but so represented, as that they may dazle the Eyes of Spectators. And all the Motions of Sceans and Mutations as insensible, and no more to be discovered, than that of the Hand of a Diall.
Neither can all great Rooms of Princely Palaces serve for this use, except they be after the Moddell of such as the Italians have built, as there is a good one at Florence in Italy, with conveyances sor Smoak, and capacities for Ecchoes, which Inigo Jones (the late Surveyor) experimentally found at Whitehall, and by his built Banquetting House, so as having found his own fault, he was constrained to Build a Wooden House overthwart the Court of Whitehall.
The greatness of a Soveraign confists not in the quantity of Stone and Timber heapt together, The Quarries possess more Stone, and [Page 41] the Woods more Timber than a Banquet Room. Let anygood eye judge, whether it be not true, that the extream height of a Room takes not away the greatness of the company that is in the same, and that all Hangings of Tapistery make no shew at all, unless they reach to a proportionable height of a Room.
Since the greatness of a Nation consists not in a Husk, but in it self, and in its Soveraign, nothing should be suffered to diminish the appearance of that greatness within or without Doors. A Soveraign and his Retinue, in a too vast Roome in height, width and length, doth appear like a company in a Valley near high Mountains. Whenas a body standing on the brow of a Hill, and seen from below, seems to be a kind of Colosse, which argueth that there must be a great discretion used in the making them fit and pleasing.
[Page 42] All which I do not Write to undervalue any Modern Works, nor any of the Cavallier-like Operas, every good Talent being commendable. As I am confident there are some that live, who will not deny that they have heard the King of blessed Memory, graciously pleased to avouch he had seen in Anno 1648, (close to the Gate of York-House, in a Roome not above 35. Foot square,) as much as could be represented (as to Sceans) in the great Banquetting Room of Whitehall; and that divers judicious persons will not deny, that the excellency of the several Triumphall Arches erected in the City of London, consists not in their Bulk.
The Grecians and Romans (who have shown their Master-ship in them) did conform them to the respective places.
Things can be too great, as well [Page 43] as too little, too massie, and too slender, too gaudy, and too plain; and Colours placed together, which agree not one with the other, as blew and green. God in his Rainbow having shewed us the best way of ordering Colours. Nor is it the quantity of Timber or Stone, that speaks love in an Arch, but rather when it is composed of the hearts of Loyal Subjects, which surpasseth all that can be made.
May therefore the oldest and most tottering House in the Land, breath forth of its Windows what may answer that true love, and in point of good Building; wherewith this Discourse is begun, (next to the giving such a new Form to the Streets of London and the Suburbs, as may in a manner equalize those in Holland in neatness, if the Inhabitants will but take the right and onely course therein.) May his [Page 44] Sacred Majesty during his long prayed for and wished Raign, see St. Pauls Church in that magnificency, as the Motropolitan of the Houses of God, in the chief City of Albion justly requires. And his Royal Palace Built, so as to answer the matchlesse greatnesse of him, who all tongues of Loyal Subjects speaks to be Carolum, Magnum, Secundum Dei gratia, Angliae, Scotiae, Franciae & Hiberniae Regem, Ecclefiae Legum, & Libertatis Populi Restauratorem; Which shall ever be the dutifull Wishes of
TO THE KINGS MOST Excellent Majesty.
MY place of Master of the Ceremonies (which the King your Royal Father of blessed memory, confirmed unto [Page] me during my life, by the Great Seal of England) is to introduce Foreign Princes or their publick Representatives to your Sacred Presence. And in regard the Place of Surveyour General was also intended to me (after late Inigo Jones) I do make bold to introduce the three Capital Principles of good Building [Page] to your Sacred Majesty, who hath seen more stately Palaces and Buildings, than all your Ancestors, and may be a Pattern to all future Posterity, by Building of your own Palace worthy your Self, and placing it as the Italians for their health, delight, and conveniencie (as well as Solidity and [Page] Ornament,) La Matini alli Monti, la Sera alli Fonti, according to which the main body of your Royal Palace may be set on the side of St. James's Park, and the Gardens along the River.
If the Book affords any thing worthy your Sacred Majesties further satisfaction, I have obtained [Page] my end, and done the Dutie intended by,
TO Her Most Excellent Gracious Majestie THE Queen Mother.
DID I not hope that the Offering up to your Majesties gracious hands, this Printed discourse (concerning Building) might be acceptable, it would doubtless make me pass for insensible, how [Page] your Majesty (immediately descended from that great Monarch, Henry the Phoenix of all his Royal Predecessors, and the Vertuous Worthy of his Age, who in all things made Building worth a part of the imployment of his heroick Genius. Your Majesty imitating it, as having inherited that same clemencie wherein he did excel, as in Greatness all Soveraigns that ever were, by graciously accepting the very least mite from any of his zealous Subjects
[Page] Madam, This is a kinde of Attome, in comparison of other Presentations; neither do I presume to think that it should be reflected on otherwise, lest it should seem to intrude it self as a Teacher to those expert Persons, who have the honour to be imployed in the Survey of your Majesties Buildings; but rather joyn these my reflections to their labour, for the due performing of their undertaking, which is onely the ends of him, who (with Heart and Soul) shall ever pray the [Page] Almighty, to reserve for your Majesty in his endless glory, a better Throne than all the world can afford; these are the devoted wishes of,
THE CONTENTS OF THIS MANUAL.
1 ARepetition of the summary contents of a former printed Discourse, concerning the three chief Principles of Magnificent Building, to wit; Solidity, Conveniency, and Ornament.
2 The choice of a Surveyor, how to try him, and what his duty is?
3 The choice of a good Clerk of the works, and what he is to do?
4 The duty of all Master Work men
5 The several proportions of the five Orders.
[Page] 6 Particulars to be minded by all Builders.
7 Rates and Prizes of Materials, and of the several works belonging to building.
8 That those who Build, or Build not, will (as those who marry, or marry not,) have just cause to Repent.
Counsel and Advise TO ALL BUILDERS.
For the Choice of their Surveyours; Clarks of their Works, Brick-layers, Masons, Carpenters, and other Work-men therein concerned.
A Little Manual which I formerly set forth (concerning the three Chief Principles of magnificent Building, viz. Solidity, Conveniency and Ornament) doth in the first place note the incongruities committed by many undertakers of Buildings, who (both [Page 2] within and without doors) do confound the aforesaid Principles: It Notes how the Grecians and Romans (the best Builders) have proceeded on undisputable Rulers, not subject to fancies, for if men should be inslaved by Weather-cock-like-spirits to make their Buildings according unto things a la mode, especially of Hats, Bands, Dublets, and Breeches; how might workmen laugh? And would not some (who cannot jear without making use of Scripture) quote Ecclesiasticus; He that is hasty to give credit is light-minded, chap. 19 v. 4. And he that teacheth a Fool, as one that glueth a pot-sheard together, chap. 21. v. 7.
Secondly, It Notes how several great and judicious Princes and Magistrates have proceeded in their Edificies, what they [Page 3] have shunned, and what they have curiously Observed; the particular care of Surveyours, their choice of Materials, even to their preparing of their Lime and Clay: The care of their Bricklayers in laying of a Foundation, and that they have been firme and resolute in their undertakings to proceed on a well composed Modell, since Alterations in a well begun Building are very prejudicial.
Thirdly, It Notes the distinction between the well ordering of the Palace of a Soveraign, and that of meaner Habitations; and it cites some remarkable Sturctures, as that between Babylon and Espahan, at a place called Carimonsharan; as also several remarkable ones in Europe; It omits not the Description of Princely Stables, and the necessary [Page 4] Offices to their Palaces, (as well as rooms of State, for great Feastival Shows, and ordinary use.) It also points at several incongruities committed by Surveyours; and who minded more to show that they were skill'd in describing of Columes, Pilasters, Cornishes and Frontispices, (though for the most part placed as the wilde Americans are wont to put their Pendants at their Nostrils) then to have studied Conveniency, and what most Necessary.
I shall now in the following lines treat more particularly on the matter by way of Counsel and Advice to all Builders, &c.
Whosoever is disposed to Build, ought in the first place to make choice of a skilful Surveyour, from whose Directions the [Page 5] several Master-work-men may receive Instructions by way of Draughts, Models, Frames, &c. For the better managing their intended work, since an ill built Palace leaves a perpetual reflection of Ignorance on the Builder; whereas a compact Building, whether City, Castle, or House, like a stock of Children continue the Name and Memory of the Owner.
Surveyours. An Exact Architect must have the Art of Drawing, and Prospective; ought to know what appertains to each Inhabitants Conveniency: Since there is a vast difference between the House of Prayer, and a Princes Palace, and meaner Habitations, nor is a Laboratorium for a Chymist fit either for Baking, or Brewing.
Prospective. Therefore he ought to know [Page 6] wherein is the use of Prospective, otherwise he will never rightly describe the demensions of solid Bodies, which are to stand high; his Circles will seem Ovals in Breadth, and his Ovals Circles, and all his contrivances will be at randome; as it is said of some men, who first act, and afterwards consider, excusing their mistake, which they thought it otherwise.
What to reflect on. The Surveyour must in the first place consider the ground whereon the Building must be Erected, make a Distinction between a Plat in the City, and one in the Country; and then governe himself as the ground will give him leave; reflecting still on the Houses adjacent, and those which are opposite, if they be high to raise as high, if not higher, to prevent the smoaking of Chimnies.
[Page 7] The Seat. Secondly, He must place the Front of a Building in the Country towards the East, if the place giveth leave; by which means he may shelter his double Lodging Rooms from the North-west: He must cause all the back of his Stone work (which stands within the Brick) to be cut with a Rabar three Inches broader then the breadth of his James and Cornish; which will hinder the Rain (driven by a fierce North-west winde (to pierce into A Nota Bene to Builders. the inside of the Wall, and through the meeting of the Brick-work and Stone; whereunto the Morter affords the passage of the Water. It may be some will carp at this free Expression, pretending that Surveyours and Master Workmen (in this refined Age, which abounds in Books, with the Portractures [Page 8] of the Out and Inside of the best Buildings) are not to seek the first Points of their Apprentiship: Whom I ask the reason, why modern and daily Buildings are so exceedingly Defective? And whether it is not because many of them (if well considered) have been but Apprentices lately, and too soon become Journey-Men; And that Surveyours (who either affect more the Building to themselves a strong Purse, or are blind in the faults which their Workmen commit) like carelesse Postillions, hasten with the Packet-Maile to the Post Office, be it never so ill girted, whereby it oft falls in the mid-way.
The Count of Villemedi ana his witty expressions concerning a young Surveyour. The Count of Villamediana, a rare Spanish Poet, having heard the Answer of a Sonne of the King of Spaines Surveyour (to [Page 9] whom the Office of the Surveyour was confirmed, by reason he had all the Drawings and Books of his deceased Father; and to excuse his young Experience, said, to make use of them) replyed to the young Surveyor, Hazais come el Stomaco que coma herbas y caga Mierda.
How to try the capacity of a Surveyour.The readiest way to try a Surveyor, is to put him to draw a ground Plot in the Builders presence, to make him describe the fittest place for a Seat, the ordering of Rooms for Summer and Winter; to Contrive well the Stair-cases, Doors, Windows and Chimneys; that the Stairs may stand conveniently to the Stories, Doors and Windows; so placed, as that they may not be inconvenient to the Chimneys; the Bedstead place far from Doors and Windows, [Page 10] and of a fit distance from Chimneys.
Distinction between the height of seilings of Rooms. And as for height of Seilings, the Surveyour ought to make a Distinction between the height of a House, or Town-Hall; of a Colledge and that of a Church, the Hall of a private house, serving for the most part but for a passage, the others for a Receptacle of a whole Body (consisting of number of Persons) who for an hour or two joyntly breath in one place, and the which may be Offensive.
Natural Effects of Air. Nature of Air being to ascend, and when it meets (with a sudden opposition it spreads; Since the Nostrils (as the Pipes of Bellows) will attract to each Persons Brains the scent which is composed of that Steam.
The Surveyours skill and discretion will also be discovered [Page 11] by the well contriving of the respective seilings of common Rooms, and Closets for private use; For as Rooms of State ought to be of an equal height, the seiling of a Closet (ten foot square, less or more adjacent to a Bed chamber of State (which may be thirty foot wide, forty in length, and sixteen or eighteen foot high) would be preposterous, inconvenient, and like a Barbers Comb case, Staircase, and Steeple-like to hang Bells in.
A good Surveyour sheweth his Art, both within the Building, as on its Front; and in the fit mixture of Materials, Morter, Brick and Stone, being Tympathick stuff.
Necessity for mouldings. As for the manner of the Outside of a Building, there is a necessity for mouldings about [Page 12] Windows, and Door Frontispieces, or Cornishes, none about Barns, Malt, Brew, or Glass-houses; whereof the outsides (especially a Barn) hath no opening of Windows, so as the Rain and Droppings of the Thatch falls not in them, but onely on the ground. But as for Cornishes and Frontispieces over the Windows of a meer Habitation, being to it of the same use, as the broad Brim of a good Hat is to a Traveller in a rainy day.
Ornaments. The good Surveyor will order Ornaments to the Front of a Palace, according unto its scituation; shun too much carved Ornaments on that upright, whereas the Southerly windes raise much dust; And though the Italian saying maintains, Per tanto variar Natura è bella; Yet must the good Surveyor [Page 13] use moderation in the ordering of Ornaments; shun in the first place, those Spectacle-like cant Windows, which are of Glass on all sides; For it may be supposed Bay or cant Windows Inconvenient. that the Inhabitants of such Houses and Rooms with Cant Windows (exposed to the Northwest) may well imitate a merry Italian Fisher, who (in a Winter windy, rainy day) had been stript to his skin, and having nothing left to cover him save his bare Net wherein he was wrapt) sitting on the high-way) put his finger through one of the holes, asking to passengers what weather it was without doors.
How Windows oughe to be placed The expert Surveyor will repart the Windows to the front of a Palace, that they may (besides the affording of sufficient light to the rooms) leave a [Page 14] solid peeres between them and to place some pleasing Ornament thereon, not prejudicial to the Structure, nor too chargeable for the Builder; shunning incongruities, as many (pretending knowledge in Ornaments) have committed, by placing between Windows Pilasters, through whose bodies Lions are represented to creep; as those Ridiculous Ornaments. in Queen street, without any necessity, or ground for the placing Lions so ill, which are commonly represented but as Supporters either of weight, or of Arms in Heraldry.
The Order to be observed on the Front of Buildings. He ought further to imitate the old Grecians and Romans, in placing the rustick order next to the ground, as being most proper, both by reason it is the most solid of all the other orders; and that no blemish appeareth in the [Page 15] Rustick so soon as in a smood ashler.
Concerning the placing of Balconies The reason also for contracting the Balconies within the upright of a Colmn is, that weight is not prejudicial when it rests on its Center, no more then the great weight of Bels in a Steeple, if hung plum with the upright.
Concerning the upper part of a Front without Rails and Barresters. Moreover, He orders his top Cornish according unto the the weight which is laid upon it; For if the Builder (to spare charges of Rails, Barresters and Pedestals with Ornaments of Balls) will have the Building to have no other finishing, he must lay a course of Stone on the Cornish, to keep the Walls dry, and clap up a fillet of Lead: As good Carpenters do frame their Rails to Barresters to meet on the Pedestals, under the neck of [Page 16] the Ball, so as the Rain doth not enter to rot them.
The use of Prospective. A Surveyour (well versed in prospective) doth order the Cornishes and Ornaments according unto the height of the Stories: He ought to know what Diminution, Altitude doth cause; there is none perceived on the Latitude of an Horizontal Line: Longitude represented by lines drawing to a Center from the Latitude, causeth also a Diminution in the Eye
The Grecians and Romans Surveyours, have ever been accustomed to make their Cornishes and Ornaments about Windows, of the upper Stories to be bigger then on those of the lower; which Michael Angelo did observe in the Arehitrave; Freese and Cornish on the top of the Frontispiece of the Cardinal [Page 17] Raphael and Albert Durer, their method in DimentionsFarnese his palace in Rome.
Raphel d'Urbin and Albert Durer, drawing a Steeple on the first ground of a board or cloath, whereon they did represent the figure of a man, standing (as it were) in the upper gallery; made the figure of that man of the same height of another which was to be set at the foot of such a Steeple; because there is no diminution of forme on a parpendicular Line, which is set close to the edge of a cloath or board; A point at the foot, or at the top, is but a point, it being only distance from separated lines (drawn to a Centre) which causeth a Diminution as to the sight.
Therefore all Surveyours ought to cause the wooden Molds (on which Masons must work, to be tryed by lifting [Page 18] them as high as the Stone or wooden Figure is to be placed; to see how it may please the Judicious Eye; which is the best Jury and compass.
What form of Doores, prove a weakning to a Building. Now concerning the well proportioned Doors and Windows; Every man reflecting on Stature, ease and conveniencie needs not to call to his Neighbour for to counsel him in this necessary proportion, since it must be granted, that if Doors and Windows (in a solid Building of Stone or Brick) were as wide as they are high; it must through necessity be a weakening to a Building.
The wideness of the Door, must be to serve for two to pass at once, that is to say, the Doors of Chambers of a Pallace, the height of the Door the double of its width; all other Chamber [Page 19] doors of a convenient height for a man of compleat stature, to pass with a hat on his head: A gate for Coaches and Carts laden likewise fit to the purpose.
Why Windows must be high. Windows (because the light comes from above) must be higher then wide, the middle Transoms of them above six foot (which is the common stature of a Man) since otherwise the middle Transome would be opposite to a mans eye, hindersome to the free discovering of the Countrey.
The leaning height of windows. The leaning height of the Windows ought to be three foot and an half; since if otherwise it will be incommodious, for being lower, it would require the bending of the back, which old men (when they have spent money and time in building) [Page 20] will not find so easie, as some wanton persons, who it may be will affect low leanings, to make use either to sit on, and break the Glass-windows, or to shew themselves in Quirpo to passengers.
The height of windows. The height of Windows and Doors, must be as much again as they are wide; because they will otherwise offend the judicious eye of persons who reflect on the former annotations, that shapes do alter by distances of place; as an Oval seen from beneath, will seem to contract to a Circle; contrary to the sense of some Children, in whose sight their Parents seem extream tall, because they are low themselves; But some Builders, (as Painters of a low stature) affect to make Figures, door-ways, and Windows, according unto their own height.
[Page 21] Thresholds an old custome. A good Surveyour shuns also the ordering of Doors with Stumbling-Block-Thresholds, though our forefathers affected them, perchance to perpetuate the ancient custome of Bridegrooms, when formerly at their return from Church, did use to lift up their Brides and to knock their heads against that of the door, for a remembrance, that they were not to pass the threshold of their House without their leave.
The placing of Doores. The doors ought to be all on a row, close to the Windows, to gain Room, that when the doors are opened, they may serve for Skreens, and not to convey wind to the Chimney.
The inconveniency of raised hearths to Chimneys. The Hearth of a Chimney ought to lye level, without a border, raised hearths being dangerous [Page 22] for the falling of coles on the boards, and likewise troublesome.
The Chimney mantles ought to be all of Stone or Marble, but if (to spare charges) the upper frame, sides and top be made of timber, it will be most seeming to have them painted as Marble.
The use of spaces between the Chimneys. And if the building cannot suffer the Chimney to be made even with the upright of the wall, both sides may be made up to serve for hoards, if they are roomes of State, but if of common use for Cabinets.
It is necessary to cover the top of Chimneyes to keep out raine and Snow; the smoak-holes can be very conveniently made on the sides of the heads of them.
Roomes on moist ground to be paved. Roomes on moist grounds, do well to be Paved with Marble, because the boarding otherways [Page 23] is much subject to rot.
No Timber partitions to be suffered in the first Story. A good Surveyour shuns the making of Timber partitions in the undermost Story.
He contrives free accesse to the double roomes, without makeing them through passage whereunto the well placing of the Staires contributes, either by convenient passages about or under them; the composing of a fit and easy Staires being a Masterpiece, fit in respect of the place, convenient if the steps be Deep and low Steps the best. deep and Low in the rise, for a straight ascending or descending (without bending of the sinewes) gives most ease to the body which doth rest better on his bones, then on Sinewes.
The good Surveyour doth contrive the repartitions of his ground-plat, so as most of the necessary Servants may be lodged [Page 24] in the first ground story; whereby there will be less disturbance, less danger of fire, and all the Family at hand on all occasions.
Finally, he ought from time to time to visit the Work, to see whether the Building be performed according unto his direction and Moulds.
The second choise to be made, is, that of a fit Clark of the Works.
A Clark of the Works must be vers'd in the prizes of Materials, and the rates of all things belonging to a building; to know where the best are to be had, provide them to the Workmens hands, to prevent a retardment in their several proceedings; [Page 25] that the Carpenter may not stay for the Brick-layers, nor the Brick-layers, nor Masons for the Carpenters; he ought also to note in his book the materials, and all necessaries as they are brought in, distribute them orderly; and though Nailes to some seem not very considerable, yet ought the Clarke of the work to be discreet in the distributing of them to some Carpenters, whose pockets partake much of the Austruches stomacks; his eyes must wander about every Workmans hands, as on those of the Sawyers at their Pitt, that they waste no more then needs in Slabs; on the Labourers hands in the digging of the Foundations, for the Bricklayers that all the loose Earth be removed, and Springs observed.
[Page 26] That no Car-men turne or tumble down their Bricks, but the Labourers to take them out of the Cart, and pile them to prevent damage.
To suffer no sammel Bricks to be made use of, not so much as in the choar of a Foundation.
Concerning Brick-layers. The Brick-layers to lay no Foundation except the ground be first Ram'd, though it seeme never so firm.
Observed in the foundation of Solomons Temples. No great and small stuff hudled together in the Foundation, but laid as even as possibly can be, to ram it the better, and the more equall, and must be of solid hard stuff, with no concavities, daubed over with store of Morter, which sinks unequally, and is the cause of the unequall setling of the Work.
No making of Scaffling in the morning. Likewise to watch the Brick-layers hands, to use often their [Page 27] line, and plum-rule, make small scaffling-holes, and never (if possible be) suffer them to begin their Scafflings in the morning, but before their leaving off their work; for if in the morning, most of them will make it a day of gathering of Nuts and Fruit (if they are in the Countrey) and therein spend the best part of their day; and one must not permit them to take the best boards and other stuff for their Scafflings.
Concerning Morter. Item, See the Morter well tempered, since if unequall in thicknesse; that which is thin, will cause the work to settle more in one place then in the other, and the joynts to spue out the Morter; especially of work made at the latter end of the year, when no brick-work without doores ought to be laid, for [Page 28] that it hath not had sufficient time to dry thorowly; and will therefore by the setting of the work in the after-season, be so much the more retarded, and be the worse to the Building, Hangings, or Wainscot set up against it.
Moreover, to see the Brick-layers take good solid Bricks to hue, since if any thing sammel the work will molder away; and every night to lay bords on their work to keep it from raine.
Concerning Masons. It is to be noted, that the Mason must work no Stone with Sandy veines, or that which (having been new taken out of the Quarry) hath been exposed to Rain, Snow or Frost.
As for the workmen, that must observe exactly their Surveyours Molds, and work close and neat joynts, use but little [Page 29] Morter between them, not only because much Morter will be washed away, but that Cornishes will also appear as a ranck of open teeth, and they must not forget to shoare the middle part of the head of the Windowes, as well as the sides, to prevent an unequall setling of the work, and consequently cracks; both in the Heads, James, and Sils.
As for the Dimentions which the Masons are to observe in their work, in reference to the orders. They must divide the Tuscan, Column, or Rustick, Base and Capital (which is as much to say as feet and head) seven times its thicknesse, the Architrave, Freeze and Cornish one fourth part of the Column with Base and Capital.
If they make the said order [Page 30] without a Pedestall they must divide its whole height into 17. parts and a half, which (in their vocation phrase) are called Models, and are divided into 12. equall parts; If they are directed by their Surveyour to make them with a Pedestal, then are they to divide the whole height into 22. and one sixth part, for that the perfect shape of the said Order requires a Pedestal, which must have a third part of the Column, with Base and Capital.
Nota. It seldom happens that a Pedestal is put to the Tuscan Order, because (as it represents an Atlas) and that no man will take a Dwarff to reach to the first Story of a Building) the said order requires, not to be set as a Candlestick on a Cubbert, its as a Substantive, that can stand without an Adjective: Some [Page 31] Venetian Ladies, must have their Shoppins to stand on, and were they as strong as the Tuscan they would not need some of their Masaras to lean upon.
Dimention of all Pedestals. But as for Pedestalls to the other following orders; a Builder shall do well to see the Masons observe this general Rule; That the Pedestalls with their Ornaments, must be one third part of the Column with its Basis and Capitall (feet and head as aforesaid) even as in the Ornaments above the Architrave, Freese and Cornish, must make one fourth part of the same.
This must then be understood as followeth, viz. The Mason must in the making any of the Freese orders, divide the height of the Column with its Ornament into nineteen parts, then take the height of the Column with its [Page 32] Basis and Capital, and make the divisions of the Models according to its order.
Names of the severall Forms or Moldings on the body of the Column. Now the names of the several formes on the body of the Collumn are, viz. theinging over of the Capital under the neck; Then followeth the Freese, the List, the Ovolo, the Cimatium, the list of the Cimatium, the Architrave, the list of the Architrave, the Freese, Gul or Throat, the lists, the Crown, the lists or Rule, the Round; and finally the Ovolo. And the Clarke of the Works speaking in these termes, will be as well understood by the Masons as one at Sea among Mariners; saying, Steere, or Larboard.
Concerning the Dorick Order. Item, If the front of the Building is adorned with the other orders (as the Dorick is) to follow the Tuscan, this proportion [Page 33] must be observed, viz. The height of the whole Column with its Base and Capital, must consist in 20. Models, that is to say, a Dorick Column without a Pedestall; the Modell must be divided in twelve parts, the foot with the nethermost band must be one Modell, the Column between the Foot and Head 14. Modells, the head one. The Architrave, Freese and Cornish, is to be one fourth part with the Head and Foot, so as this makes up the aforesaid Number, and such a compleat Form, as is neither to be controuled nor mended, & is that which the Grecians and Romans have found to be a Dimension sunk down from above, as all those who have made it their respectfull observations of the Dimensions the Creatour hath been pleased to give to the [Page 34] Microcosme Man, they have found that there is a perfect concordance, Perfect concordance among the dimensions of a mans body. amongst them, a Body consisting of so many Modells of so many height of Heads; A Head of so many distances between the one Eye and the other; nay even in the gaping of a well-proportioned Mouth, except forced by a kinde of Screw or Gagg, which may break the Jaw-bones asunder.
Proportion of open gallaries with Columns. If the undermost part of a Front (as many Palaces in Padua, and other Cities in Italy) is left open as the Gallery in the Bedfort-Piatza; The Indisputable, best and truest proportion to be observed therein is; if according to a Dorick Order, the Height must be divided into twenty parts, one of those must be the Model; the distance between the two Pilasters are three Models, [Page 35] the widenesse of the Arch, half the length of the Column, which is set out in the midst of the Pilaster, one third part of a Model more then its half, which is to be generally observed in all the other orders; This is for Galleries with Columns without Pedestals; but Galleries, with these the Column must be divided into twenty five, and one third part which makes a Model; the breadth of the Pilaster must be five Models, and the distance between the Pilasters ten Models, the half of the height of the Arch, which will make that perfect shape as must satisfie all Judicious Eyes. Item, It must be remembred that the height of the Pedestal of the Dorick must consist of five Models, and one third part: And as for Ornaments (as Imbrodery or Lace on [Page 36] good Stuff) they are as various as the occasions of the owners may require, or those things whereunto their Genius doth tend; if Warriours, Trophies; if men of Peace, Olivebranches; and all what affrights not.
Division of the Ionick Order. The Ionick Columns, their height must be of twenty two parts and a half; each Model being one of the twenty, must be divided in eighteen, because it stands so much higher, as distance (which then contracts the work) requires more height; since otherwayes the third story of Columns would shorten so much, which is the fundamental reason that Prospective must be observed by a good Builder, and not yielded to the particular fancies of some of them.
The Architrave of such a Column [Page 37] must consist in one, and one quarter Model of the eighteen, the Freese of one and a half, the Cornish one and three quarters, which being added together, makes four Models and an half, and the one quarter of the Ionick Column, the Base and Capital comprized.
In the making Galleries of this order (which being most slender and more tall) the breadth of the Pilasters must be three Models, the breadth of the Arch eight and a half, since the height must be seventeen Models, which is twice the breadth; but if these Columns are set on Pedestals, then must the whole height of them be divided into twenty eight parts and an half, allowing six Modeles for the height of the Pedestall with its Ornaments, and so it will fall out, that as the [Page 38] breadth of the Arch shall be eleven Models, the height twenty two, the breadth of the Pilasters four, and so a proportionable Body to the height of the Story, and the weight it is to bear; which is one of the main considerations of a good Builder; when to the contrary, Columns ill proportioned and ill placed, prove often a weakning to a Building, and seem as Organ pipes to stand in the Ayre for a Ill effect of two broad Cornishes. shew, as Cornishes too broad, happen the sooner to decay; but to this order there ought to be one third part of a Model.
Which doth not shrink. To proceed on the form recommended to a good Clark of the works, to call upon every Workman of the Masons to see them performe according unto such exact patters made in good Wainscote; The next is [Page 39] the Corinthian, who if without Divisions of the Corinthian order. Pedestals, must be divided into twenty five Models, and those into eighteen parts; the distance between the Columns foure Models, and two third parts of a Model; Because the Architrave about it may not bear too much, and that the Models in the Cornishes may be just over the middle of the Column.
But if Arches or Galleries made of this Order; the distance between the Pilasters must be nine Models, the height to the top of the Arch eighteen Models, and the breadth of the Pilaster three Models: Galleries with Pedestals must be divided in thirty two equall parts, and one of them a Model; the distance between twelve and the height to the top twenty five, one more then ordinary, [Page 40] because the height doth diminish the proportion of its true height; so the Pedestal seven Models, &c.
Composite Order. The Composite Order must be made of the same proportions of the Corinthian; all the difference between them is only in the members of the Head and Foot, as all Surveyours and Master Workmen shall finde this to be most true; After they shall have compared all the best grounded Authors of the Greeks and Romans, and that here is not an Iota differing from them; for it is a Rule as certain, as that without the same, there cannot be a perfect building made, no more then a man could without good Orthographie write true English; so as no man can have just cause to say, there is a new Rule prescribed unto them, since [Page 41] it is the same which will be found in all true Books concerning that matter; It is the Rule of the Ancient Masters, whose Reliques to be seen throughout most places of Italy, makes many strangers that come there gape so wide, as that they need no Gags. Let them but look on the Columns of the Temple of Peace and the Pantheon in Rome, they shall see more men that gape after them then in other parts: Pipers and Potters to sit in Tavernes, and they shall finde in those lovers of Art an Humility, as hinders them to crack, and boast never to utter, Well enough for the time.
Most of the Italians, being of the humour of the old Carver, who had ingraven his own Name and Portraicture so deep in the shield of Pallas, as it could [Page 42] never have been put out without defacing the figure; they work for a perpetual fame; which a good Clerk of the works is to recommend unto the Workmen committed to his charge.
Concerning the Carpenters. That the Carpenters be good husbands in the managing of the Builder his Timber, in the cutting of their Scantlings, their sparing to make double Mortises, which do but weaken the Summers.
To lay no Gerders, which are needless and hindersome to the boarding of a Room, no Summers to be laid, except the ends of them are either pitcht or laid in Loam, to preserve them from rotting, as is done by the heat of Lime whereof Morter is made; And therefore in Italy, France, Germany, and among the most prudent and solid Builders, the [Page 43] free Masons put stone Cartoeses in the top of the infide walls, which are bearers to the Summers, as such Cartoeses are seen in divers Churches, and some of them are carved in Ornamental Figures.
The manner of the Carpenter to lay his Timber. Item, The Clerk of the Works must have a care to see the Carpenters to cock the main Beams into the Lentals, to hold the wall the better, that they pin down a Plank (three inches thick) all along the top of the Summer, to hold fast the Brick work, after the Brick is raised to the height of the Summer, and that the Joyces be framed a [...] or three inches under the top of the Summers; that for the boarding rooms smooth, the Carpenters lay Bridges overthwart the Joyces, joyned in the top of the Summers, that the Boarding [Page 44] be with breaking Joynts, which is the phrase of the Workmen and is the manner of flooring of roomes of Note.
Height for Doors and Windows. That doore cases (well ankered into the wall) be made as high again as they are wide, and so must well proportioned window cases be, both for giving better light (which descends from above) and that the peeres of Brick or Stone between them, will fall to be a fit width to be a strengthening to the building.
Item, The Clarke of the works must be very carefull not to suffer the Carpenters to lay any Timber under the Chimnies; since by the laying of Timber under them, many houses have been set on fire and burnt to the ground.
Scantlings for substantial Floors. He must see the Carpenters to [Page 45] observe the Scantlings following, viz. (for substantal Floors of roomes thirty foot wide) Summers for the first seeling eighteen and fourteen Inches to be framed in such proportion as may serve to make an Italian fret Seeling. The Lentals eight and ten Inches square, the Joyses Scantling for Seilings of rooms thirty foot wide. nine and three Inches; The Summers of the second Floor, fifteen and seventeen, to be beams of the Roof for the principal Rafters to stand on, and the like for the fret Seelings: The principal Rafters for the Roof to be at ten and eight at the lower end, nine and seven at the top; The Pu [...]lains for the Roof nine and eleven, single Rafters six and three Inches, and to be framed edge-wayes, which Scantlings are fit for substantial Structures, but not usual [Page 46] in Lime and Hair Birdcadgelike Buildings; Moreover he must not onely (as a true Clerk) with his Eyes follow the Workmens hands in the framing of their Work, and as before said, that no waste be made of the Timber, nor of the least Slab, nor of Brick, nor Brick-bats, nor Stone; he must not suffer Brick Carts to overturn the load of Bricks brought to the Work, which is an insupportable abuse, but too often committed in the Countrey, whereby a world of good Bricks are reduced to morsels, Abuse committed with the overturning the loads of Bricks. and this by meer lasiness of the Labourers, who (as better rationals in London) ought to take the Bricks out of the Carts and pile them.
And as to a Building wherein divers sorts of materials are used, the care of the Clerk of the [Page 47] Works must be on all of them, as well as on the least (as I said before in the distribution of Nails) as on materials of weight, as Sauder, wherewith an unconscionable Plummer can ingross his Bill. The Clerk is to see Sauder weighed and well managed, and in the attesting of Bills have a care not to pass his eyes slightly over them, lest when a Plummer sets pounds of Candles used about his Sauder, that trick prove as insupportable as that of one, who having played away a round summ of his Masters Stock in a Journey to the East-Indies, set in his Bill to have payed a hundred pound for Mustard.
He must likewise have a clear insight on the Glass pains of the Glasier; suffer no Green pains of Glass to be mixt with white.
[Page 48] He must with his Eyes follow the Measurer of the Work, his Rod, or Pole; so the line where with the Joyners work is measured, that it be not let slide through the Measurers fingers since the Joyners works hath many goings in and out; and a Leger de Mayne may be prejudicial to the paymasters purse.
It were likewise better to agree with Painters, to have their work rated on running measure, and on the straight, as the Carpenters work, who (being of an honest Josephs profession) are as deserving to be well paid as the Painters, who do but spend the sweat of Wallnuts (to wit oyl) the Carpenters that of their brows.
Finally, the Clerk of the Works ought to be subject to the censure of the Surveyor, on [Page 49] the point of all the materials which are brought in.
Concerning the use of Timber. And as for Noblemen (or others) who have Timber of their own (and in whose grounds good clay for bricks is to be had, their best course is, to fell Timber (which they can spare, and intend to build with,) some years before it must be put to the Carpenters tools.
Concerning Foundations. Likewise to manage the uffal of the Timber. And as for the foundation of their building, it ought to be raised at first leaning height; and then to let it rest to settle, for if onely brought level with the ground, it will prove but as a receptacle of the wet that falls on it: and if but a foot high above ground, it will be pusht down again, but being leaning high, it will be preserved, and may be covered [Page 50] if the moneth of October draweth on, when it's fit Trovel men should be dismist till the next Spring following.
The best Covering. Item, To cause the foundation of the intended building to be generally laid, without leaving any touchings, since walls new begun on them will settle more unequal then those carried on in an intire range: As for coverings of Buildings, Lead is best for Churches, for who would rob them but Goths and Vandals.
Concerning blew Slates. Blew Slates are most comely for a Noblemans Palace, they are not heavy as Tiles, nor do not soon rot, nor gather an unpleasing moss; besides that when some of the slates are broke, the Slater mends them with little charge; a rooff coloured with them is of an equall colour, [Page 51] when as red tiled rooffs the least breaking of them makes great chargeable work for the Tiler, who often removes ten Tiles to lay two new ones in their place; and renders the Noble mans rooff, as a Beggers Coat.
Concerning burning of Bricks. As for burning of Bricks, if Noblemen care not to make a Bisme in their Parks or grounds, they shall do well to cause the Clerk of the Works to look well to the Workers of the Clay, for if it be not well wrought, the bricks will never be good.
It is usual to pay five shillings per thousand, for the making and burning of Bricks, the Clay digging therein comprehended; and all materials being provided to the Brick-makers hand.
But as for those who can have [Page 52] Bricks from Brickills near at hand. And who love to keep their Park and grounds even and handsome, they may take notice that in the number of twenty Thousand of Bricks Between burning & buying of Bricks, but six shillings and eight pence difference in twenty thousand. bought or made, there is not above six shillings and eight pence difference; Example, There goeth four load of Sand, which (with the carriage) cost two shillings six pence; in Straw to the making of twenty Thousand of Bricks above five shillings; the Tools and bringing of water five shillings, the digging of the Clay ten shillings, charges for hedging, forty shillings; the preparing of the ground five shillings, besides the making of a Kill, which will consume for the making of twenty Thousand of Bricks, fifteen load of Wood, at ten shillings the load; of [Page 53] Bricks burnt in a Clam (being burnt with Sea coals) there are at the least in twenty thousand, five thousand unfit for work; and though some Brick-layers pretend that Sammel Bricks are good enough to fill the Choare of a Wall, it is not so; Since most Sammel Bricks are no better then dust, and what resistance dust can be when weight is laid upon it, any rational man can judge by the several cracks in Walls, whereof the Choars are hollow; and therefore the description of the foundations of the Temple, and the Palace of Solomon bears, that The foundation of the Temple and Palace of Solomon. it was made with smooth hard Stone.
Many Brick-makers are accustomed to dig the top spit (which is no better then dung) and to throw it with the other [Page 54] clay, and is the cause that many Bricks are brittle, so as in few An Item for those who do let out ground for buildings. years houses made with them, the walls thereof moulder away like dirt.
To prevent the being overreacht with Bricks, they ought to be taken out of the clam by account from the Brickmaker, who undertakes to make them in ones ground, he is to keep to himself those that are not fit for use.
How to measure the Clay which hath been digged. The way for the Clerk of the Works to measure the quantity of Clay which hath been digged, is to measure the pit (out of which it hath been taken) square, which is six foot square, six foot in length, three foot in breadth, and three foot in depth, which makes one thousand of Bricks.
Men dig clay for six pence the thousand.
[Page 55] Lime digged in ones ground is commonly burnt in a Kill, at four shillings per load; Lime bought cost four shillings a quarter, six pence a Bushel, forty shillings a load.
Inconveniency of puting Chalk in walls of Houses on Springish ground. Those that mind the making use of Chalk in their walls, must be contented if the ground hath springs) with the green molding which breaks through the whited walls within doors.
Walls about a Park or Court, may be filled with Chalk, which may be digged for eighteen pence per load, bought for two shillings and six pence the load.
The number of Bricks in a square Rod. He that desires to know how many thousands of Brick a Park wall, or that of the building of a house will require, can make his account on the description following, viz. A square Rod of a wall, two foot thick [Page 56] takes nine thousand of Bricks, nine quarters of Lime to a Rod, nine load of Sand, at fourteen pence per load.
Some good Country Bricklayers do work at twenty seven shillings the Rod, the Bricks not being rubbed.
The rate of Bricklayers work. Good London Bricklayers will work the Rod for forty shillings, rubbed Bricks, the inside for thirty three shillings, arches comprised.
The fittest bigness of a good brick, is nine Inches and a half long, four and a half, and a half quarter broad, two inches a quarter and a half thick, which will raise a foot in the Morter with four bricks.
As for Lime, the refining whereof (according unto the Grecian and Roman manner, is mentioned in the former printed [Page 57] discourse of the three Principles of Magnificent Building) the general custome in Europe, is to burn it in Kills, which is a slow way. But if there were such a quantity of Wood as in the Indies, there could be more lime burnt in twenty four hours, then otherwayes in a moneth: The burning of lime in China and The manner of burning Lime in China. other parts of the Indies, being as followeth, viz. They make a round pile of great wood, leaving a cross hollow way through it from the bottom almost to the top, which is raised to a height according to the Circle, there is proportionably so much Stone heaved thereon as it will hold, the fire is put in the Centre, and in the middle of every cross way, and as it burns makes an Overture at the top, and the stone burning by degrees falls still [Page 58] in the middle of the pile, and of the Walks, which at last is covered with the Cinders of the burnt wood, and proves a most strong well burnt Lime; Which if it were mixt with Holland Bricks (called Clinkart, a yellow Brick as hard as Flint, bought for twenty three shillings the thousand) would make walls as durable as if of Marble, if not better.
The best paving in Stables. Those Clinkarts are very fit for the paving of Stables, and walks in a Court, for they lye very smooth and close.
As for choice of Master Workmen.
KIng Henry the Eight shewed a good president (when the Serjeant Plummer calling [Page 59] his Workmen to cast in his presence a Leaden Medal which was given him: the King told him he would have no walking Master Workman.
Those therefore which are fit to be imployed, are Working Masters, and not those who walk from one Building to another; since Journey-men will no more work well, then Souldiers fight without a fighting Captain; Feathers on a Captains hat, nor Compasses in Master workmens pockets do not the deed, nor will any Master Workman deny to have had as much more done, and well, by bestirring their Hands and Tools in their Workmens presence then otherways.
This doth not entrench on those who are undertakers of Buildings, but insisteth onely on [Page 60] the necessity of sufficient Master Workmen, actually employed in every Work.
Master Workmen bound to a precise time. The chosen Master Workmen must be bound to a prefixt time for the performance of their undertaking to observe exactly the Model and Moulds held forth to them by the chosen Surveyour, and to make good at their own cost what they do amiss.
Master Workmen to pay their own men. They are to manage the paying of their own Workmen, on such a Contract as they have made with the Proprietor of the Building; For the Master Workman must keep his workmen under a certain regular proportion of pay, to hinder them from spending their wages too fast, and to run to other works, as many (upon slight occasions) do.
To shun reprehending of Master Workmen openly.It is also very necessary to shun the reprehending a Master [Page 61] Workman of any oversight before his men, but rather privately; since it would be to him as prejudicial as a check to a Commander at the head of his Troop.
As for the Builder and Proprietor.
IT is best for the Builder to buy his own Materials, have his Work done by the Rod or Square.
Have in reserve (to make good payment) such a stock of his own as he can well spare; and against mistakes of Workmen a stock of Patience.
Be a constant observator of the three chief Principles of Building; viz. Solidity, Conveniency, and fit Ornament: Never [Page 62] suffer his Workmen to begin to build before the Moneth of March, nor to continue longer in the building of walls then until half September; remitting setting of walls until the next Spring after.
Observe the several Annotations in the former printed Discourse, on the three chief Principles of Building: concerning the well ordering both of Rooms of State and ordinary use and Stairs, the form of Offices and Stables; as also the contrivances and properties belonging to Gardens.
As for Prizes.
EXperience speaks that as times change, and occasions differ, prizes may alter; Nor is [Page 63] that which is best cheap, always the best profit, but Merchantable ware.
Rates of Bricks. Bricks in some parts are delivered at the Work for 16s. 8d. the thousand.
Rate of Brick work. Some will build a Rod 16 [...] Foot square, 1½ Bricks, all Materials comprised for 5 pound.
For the old Tiling at thirteen shillings four pence a square.
New Tiling at one pound five shillings a square, finding all Materials.
The straight Arches, at one shilling per foot.
The Flints, at four pence per foot.
The Cornishes, one shilling per foot.
Slating with blew Slates the Workmen finding all, will cost seven pence per foot, the workmanship [Page 64] onely will cost three pence per foot.
Twelve thousand Slates will make one square.
Slates will cost sixteen pence per thousand, delivered at London.
Prizes of Timber. Good Oaken Timber is bought in some parts of the Country for thirty three shillings per load, consisting of fifty foot; in and about London. for forty three shillings, forty four, forty five, forty seven, and fifty, at the Merchants Yard.
White Fur, twenty five, twenty six, twenty seven, and sometimes twenty eight, according as the seasons be.
Yellow Fur (called Dram) being very good, forty five shillings the load, the names are these following; Esterrund, Westbeele, Longlound, Laurwat, Landifor, [Page 65] Tonsberry, Holmstrand, Dram, Christina, Swinsound, Frederickstadt, Helleroane, Moss, Drontom, Bergen, and Stavenger.
The prizes of these Deals are uncertain, for according to the goodness so they are in price; for in all these places, there are both bad and good which generally are sold from four pound per Cent. to six pound per Cent. if ordinary length; long Deals which are about fourteen or fifteen foot long, are from seven pound per Cent. to twelve pound per Cent.
An Estimate of Scantlings and Prizes.
OF Oaken Gerders fifteen inches one way, and eleven [Page 66] the other, two pound ten shillings.
Oaken Gerders thirteen Inches one way, and eleven the other, two pound two shillings.
Joyces seven Inches one way and three the other a square, two pound two shillings.
Firr Gerders fourteen Inches one way and nine the other, one pound eighteen shillings.
Firr Gerders twelve Inches one way and nine the other, Joyces six Inches one way and three the other at a square, one pound sixteen shillings.
Oak Roofing raising pieces, eight inches one way, six the other; Purloyns nine inches one way, and seven the other, one pound fifteen shillings.
Principal Rafters nine and six at one end, eight inches and five inches the other, small Rafters [Page 79] it is worth sixteen pence, or eighteen pence the yard.
Rough-cast upon Lath being very well done, is worth eighteen pence the yard, upon brick work it will be done very well for twelve pence or ten pence the yard.
Rough-cast upon Lath-work, the owner finding all, is worth eight pence the yard.
Upon Brick-work, or Stone, is worth six pence the yard.
To Lath and lay with Lime and Hair, the owner finding all the stuff, it will be done for two pence a yard.
Plaistering upon Lath, ten pence a yard, some have done it for eight and nine pence the yard.
Plaistering upon Brick-work at four pence a yard, and some for three pence a yard.
[Page 80] White-washing and stopping, at three pence a yard.
Plaistering of Lime upon hart-lath is worth two pence the yard, some have done it for six pence a yard, and two pence rendering with Coat of Lime and Hair on it.
Greenwich plaistering, to be lathed and laid with Lime and Hair, and a Coat of fine plaister, the Seilings and Partitionings at one shilling two pence a yard, in Town, one shilling five pence.
A Cornish with two faces, all of it two foot deep, at two shillings six pence a yard, running measure; a Cornish at the foot of an Arch, sealing done with Lime and Hair, eleven inches deep, at one shilling nine pence the yard.
Architrave, Freese, and Cornish of three foot, three inches [Page 81] deep, done for three shillings two pence a yard, running Measure.
Plaisterers work in Fret Seilings.
AFret Seiling as at Summerset-house, in the Privy Chamber, and in the Drawing Chamber, done with square Ovalls round; with a Cornish round about the roomes, the Fret having a double golose in the bottome, and a Cornish on the side, six Inches deep, and all the members inriched according to the moulds therewith measured flat in square yards without girting the work with a Line, is worth six shillings the yard square.
Whiting and Stopping of fret [Page 82] seelings at two pence a yard, whiting and stoping of old plain walls and seelings at one penny a yard, whitings of new walls at three pence farthing a square.
The workmanship onely in Lath and Lathing three pence the yard, rendering two pence a yard.
A Friese made with folding two foot deep, at five shillings a foot running measure.
Fret seelings the moulding, six Inches deep and full of work, with inrichments in the moulding and fouldage in angles and squares, the workmanship only at five shillings a yard, measured flat.
One Tun of Playster of Paris will lay twenty nine yards of Lath work, three quarters of an Inch thick, one Tun will lay as much again upon Brick-work.
[Page 83] Walls done in faire black for a Tennis Court, at one penny a yard, the workman finding all.
Glassery.
THe best French Glasse wrought with good lead, well simmoned, is worth sixteen Pence a foot.
The best English glass wrought with an Arch well leaded, and simmoned at seven pence a foot.
Ordinary Glass for quarries at five pence half penny a foot.
Painters Work.
FOr a fair Stone colour in oyl upon windowes and doores. at twelve pence a yard.
[Page 84] For a Timber colour in oyl, on doors and windows, at ten pence a yard.
Wainscot put into Wall-nut red colour, in distemper at six pence a yard.
Painters work of ordinary lights of windowes in oyl, at six pence a yard.
To lay a fair white colour in oyl, on Cornish of Timber, and on Stairs, and Rails and Barristers fourteen pence a yard.
The laying over a Wall white in oyl, twelve pence a yard.
Painting of the fairest green that can be in distemper, and varnisht, is one shilling a yard.
Frames seven Inches and a half broad gilded, the ground a Timber colour cost three pence farthing for one Inch broad, and a foot in length.
[Page 85] Other rich carved frames, painted and gilded, the gold fifteen inches broad, the ground a fair white colour cost five shillings a foot.
Painting in white and gold, upon flat moulding, and set off with shading, like carving one inch board, and a foot long is worth four pence or five pence a foot.
Painting the outside of ordinary windows, is at three pence a light, and some at two pence a light.
Door case and doors at two shillings apieoe, the outside onely.
Gilding, for Workmanship of the gold, at twenty shillings a hundred.
Nota, The Painters are to colour over their windows thrice.
Smiths Work.
IRon Barrs, Hinges, Bolts, Staples, great Hooks, are worth three half pence the pound weight, Cross Garners four or five pence the pound weight.
Iron Casements about two foot high, three shillings six pence a piece, and others according to their bigness.
Concerning the Plummer.
EVery foot of New Lead square, is worth thirteen or fourteen shillings the yard, besides Souder at nine or ten pence the pound.
In exchange of old Lead for [Page 87] sheets new run, is allowed three shillings in every hundred weight for waste.
Every square foot of Lead run thin, to serve for gutters; weigheth commonly six or seven pound, if old eight or nine.
Leaden gutters are at twenty shillings the hundred.
The Masons Work.
FOr the Base called Gross table, at the bottome of a building, seven pence per foot.
For an Architrave of eight inches to a Window, eight pence per foot.
For a Friese to that Architrave six pence per foot.
For the Cornish (being about ten inches thick) one shilling two pence per foot.
[Page 88] For the Pilaster to the same Architrave, seven inches thick, six pence per foot.
For scrowls to the said windows, six shillings a piece.
For scrowls and leaves of second Story windows, six shillings per window.
For the Capitol, to the stools of those windows, twelve pence per foot.
For the quines, six pence per foot Ashler measure.
For Belconies with Rail and Barrister to the abovesaid windows, four pound per Belconie; being four foot high, and ten foot about.
For rail and barrister on the top of a building, nine shillings per yard.
For Architrave to doors, one shilling six pence per foot.
For cleansing and setting again [Page 89] old work, as window stuff, grostable, watertable, cornish, quines, and Ashler, four pence per foot one with another.
For new cleansing an old front, and piecing the mouldings where it is broken, four pence per foot.
Paving of Bortland stone, eight pence per foot.
White and black marble pavement a foot square, costs at London two shillings six pence laid.
To be carried and laid in the Country, three shillings six pence.
The Namur stone gray and white, the same price.
The Rans five shillings mixt with white.
The Rans and Purple six shillings.
The Prizes in Holland.
White Marble pavement the foot, three shillings; the black, eighteen pence.
The black and white, or red and white Marble polish'd, five shillings.
Black glazed Holland Pan-tiles, six pound the thousand; sometimes five pound, and four pound ten shillings.
Cashie rough pavement, at three pence half penny the yard workmanship, with materials twelve pence, though the Paviors will exact sixteen pence.
Pavement with Pibble-stone, fifteen and eighteen pence the the yard, square.
Paving tiles six, Inches, eight, ten, and twelve, from six shillings to twenty the hundred.
[Page 91] As for the paving of Courts, to prevent the over-growing of grass, and the charge of too often weeding. It would not be amiss to lay Chalk or Lime under the paving, and to do the fame in Gardens under Gravel Walks.
This is onely a rate for the ordinary way of paving allowed by Act of Parliament, for which price, but very slight work hath been furnished; till such time as Mr. Le Coeur (having undertaken the Commissioners paving works) hath contrived such a plenty in stone, which hitherto was so scarce that by consequence he hath since rendred the work more plausible at the very same rate. But there is another way yet far more substantial, which the same [Page 92] Undertakers, and Society have industriously invented, whereby they are not onely able to make a most substantial good pavement, but are likewise capable by that same certain new invention, to maintain it durable for twenty one years long, in reparation at a yearly small rate, but must of necessity cost them much more then sixteen pence once, for all at the first paving.
If materials could be had at lower rates then the aforementioned, it would be as well done to seek for such materials, as to look to the goodness of them. So in the choice of Workmen for on those who can work best.
To compleat these matters, I shall note what is most necessary [Page 93] First, That what contributes more to the fatall ends of many good Mothers Son, is ill Building Paper like walls, Cobweb like windowes, doores made fast as with Pack thread, purposely to tempt men who through extream want are become weary of a languishing life, and to whose fatall end, ill Builders are in a manner accessary.
Let not the Hollanders, German, nor any other Northern Nation Vaunt of their scarcity of theives (nor those of Delf in Holland; who when the Town Mason had desired them to chuse a day to visit the publick Gallows which he had made, said, that they would serve for them and their Posterity) but attribute the same scarcity to that defence they are wont to make against Theives; but that defence consists not in a [Page 94] superfluous care of putting locks and bolts upon doores or wooden shutters to windows, not iron bars in them that will serve turn, except those locks, bolts, shutting windows, and barrs are made and set on as they ought to be.
The Hollanders wooden shutters are double deal-borded wainscot-like-framed within, with Battens, fluted without as the body of a Dorick Column; that the rain beating on them, may the better run down and carry away the dust which may be gathered on them, and that they may not rot so soon as they would, otherwise if they were garnished without with battens; they paint them also in strong oyl colour thrice over to resist the weather the better; the Carpenters do frame them so [Page 95] exact to the witdth and height of the stone casement of the window, as that scarce a knife could be thrust between them they are not hung with cross garnets; because such are easily taken off, nor are the broad shoulders of an iron hook the onely thing that can hinder theeves to loosen such a window, nor the iron bars; Theeves having a way to remove iron bars without breaking of them, or making half so much noise as on a wooden bar.
The iron hinges ought to be framed between the two deal bords, whereof the shutting window is made, and the head of the hinge is to be so well fitted in the stone, as that no access can be had to it, the bolts within strait or crooked, must have a shutter at its tail.
[Page 96] Now if a Builder will not be at the charge of such shutters without doores, they must then have wooden or iron bars to secure those within.
Doores may be secured, not onely by a wooden or iron barr, but by a strong chain hung at the one end in an iron ring, at the other end in a like ring, both united with a strong Padlock, then any Porter may open a gate or doore six Inches less or more to receive a Packet in the night when it so happens.
Nor do provident Builders rivet locks only at the one side, for that a thief within doores in correspondence with one without makes that single riveting of no use as to security; rivets to locks must be enterlaced with rivets between the double bord, nor should the key-hole of an outward [Page 97] door of a house be left uncovered in the night, for if through the negligence of him that is the keeper of the gate, neither bolts nor barrs are remembred; Why? a pick-lock may soon open such a door or gate; it is an easie contrivance to have a bolt with a large head that shall cover the key-hole of a door or gate, to make fast from without to the inside, and so secure the lock; and if the key of that bolt is brought at night to the owner of the Palace, none can run out a gadding or drinking.
And so much may suffice for the securing of doors and windows, onely this more. That there ought to be an Iron plate of the width of the door, and four foot high, walled in within, so fastned on both sides [Page 98] as that no violence from without can make a breach, since in divers places Rogues have taken up the causey or pavement before a doore, and then with facility loosened the bricks under the threshold to make a passage into the House.
But as for thieves who do untile houses, such may be keept out, if the seeling be borded or made up with plates of tinn, or arched with brick as is practised in the Banks of Loane, which in other parts are erected for the relief of the Necessitous.
Furthermore, In reference to the main of the contents of a former Printed Discourse, concerning the three first Principles of Magnificent Building; As the well choosing of a fit place for a Building, is a Capital piont, to set it right, and the giving a fit [Page 99] extent to the Court, so the making to it a Porch ought to be well considered, For as a Porch serves to a Hall to distribute Almes to the Poore; a porch proves often cumbersome, being the receptacle of foul creatures, who as soon gotten into a Court make it their randevouze; Nor is a porch so convenient to the Palace of a Prince, whose person must be attended by a great retenue, and no man to stand in his passage; But if a porch be affected, let it then be a vaste Portuco, as that of Solomons House was. and that he Built for Pharaohs Daughter.
Now as for the placing a Gate or Door to enter into the Hall of a Palace; None will deny but that Greatnesse and Conveniency being conjoynt fits best. The enterance into a Hall is not [Page 100] so proper in the middle as at the end, when the ground plot is yet to chuse and to be ordered; But if there be a constraint, which is most prejudicious to a Building, the entrance must be set as much towards the end as possible can be, to set the Chimney well, and the main Stair-case in so fit a place as that it may not be subject to a like fatal accident as happened to William Prince of Orange at Delf, when he was shot by one who stood behind a Column, opposite to the Stairs of that Prince his house.
The rise, width, and depth of steps, shall not need to be repeated, since they have been described, and reasons alledged for their dimension, mentioned both in the former printed, and in this discourse; nor shall repetitions be necessary concerning [Page 101] the reason why the first Floor of a building should not lye level with the ground; The first for health; the second for neatness, since any floor level with the ground receives more dirt from abroad; the third for greatness, which appears more by an assent; the fourth for the Vaulting of Sellars or any other Offices; and the fifth, to have the floors more dry: Onely I shall insert this story of one in Authority, Who passing by a Town wherein the people generally did not out-live the thirtieth year of their Age, caused all the back of their Houses to be made the Front, and the windows which were forward to be made up, to free them from that infectious Air that did shorten their Lives, which had its effect accordingly; and it is therefore I do so much insist on the [Page 102] point of placing a Building where good Aire is, & that neither chimnies nor doores may be so placed as to serve for the attracting of infectious Aire which kills more then the sword or the Seas overturnes ships.
To take my leave of all Builders, I must conclude with what followeth,
First that when they shall be pleased, to take a Posey out of the former Printed Discourse, and joyne it, to what may please them, out of this they will finde, that both hit the main marke, to wit, Solidity, Conveniency, and Ornament, altogether to be observed in true Building. That all what is represented is for their profit and satisfaction, that the manner and phrase of the first discourse, was to that end intermixt with recreative passages, yt [Page 103] the Reader should not be tired with the Mechanicks their phrase, and proper Names of their several Trades, though some of them are wont to scoff at those whose language is polisht; as if a person of Eminent Quality, (Born to the Highest Concernment of a State) should have learned their words, and have spent therein part of his pretious time; And therefore I have now offered, to write, in such workman-like termes, as may serve for a Clark of the works to speak unto them.
Secondly, That all owners of Buildings, shall do well to make choice of such a person for their Clark as the Master workmen will endure, which they will not, if he be a Master workman, whom they will not only suspect to have a design to undermine [Page 104] and supplant them, but obey not, pretending to know more themselves; Nor is it fit that there should be such a controuler over a Master Workman, as a Workman: The same is to be observed with a Surveyor to prevent all quarrels and contests: for as every Cook commends his own Sauce; more then one Cook to a dish will spoil it; there cannot be two Suns in the Firmament, one General over another; nay two Cocks among Hens.
In a word, an Owner must trust, or never make choice of Trustees; For if otherwise, let him be certain that his purse will be incessantly abused.
Thirdly, Let all Owners be prepared to Repent, whether they build or not, for it is likewise the fate of many that marry or marry not.
[Page 105] Let both the one and the other lay (as in a Scale) their several charges, vexations, cares, labours, and pleasures, they will find this to be true, viz. If they build they must be at great present disbursements, vext with as many oversights (as Printer-Setters will commit faults, as appears by the Errataes at the end of Books) and to be over-reacht in Bargains concerning their Materials, as also in work done by the Great, or Day.
If they build not, they are subject to the inconveniencies of Houses built according unto the fancies of the Owners, and when they shall cast up the summs of money spent in the rent (besides many chargeable alterations) they shall find that they might have built a better and more fit habitation for them and their [Page 106] posterity; So will it be with men that marry or marry not.
The first will have had cause to exercise the Vertue of Patience, and if he be a High German (especially a Swab) such as have wives, that believe their husbands doth not love them, except they be beaten, Why? They will be practitioners in the mortification of their own flesh and bones; for let women say what they will, they are bone and flesh of man, and not the head, though some of them would wear the Bonnet and Breeches to boot; Well the Husband (after all his pains and vexations) if he can turn all things to the best, will have (as the Italian saith) a sound gusto, he will have observed the French saying, Lie tes doits, a l'herbe que tu cognois, and by a mixture of good bloud [Page 107] (sprung from a clear Spring) settle his name to posterity.
If he marry not, O how many dangerous encounters for him both in body and soul!
And how can such a one contest the Divine decree; That it is not good for man to be alone?
Paradice would have been but a Wilderness without a Woman; nor can Trees speak a word of comfort to a good man when stretched forth in his cold bed, tired of the Labors of a dark Winters day; and let such a one, at the end of the year cast up his Bill, he will find to have spent more in Presents of consideration about another mans then his own; and if he be a Trades man, in Potting, Gadding, Codlings, Pudding-pies, and Bare-baiting, (with ranting Creatures) then if he had been married; therefore [Page 108] if men must Repent, let them have somewhat that is called meum without offence for their Repentance.
Now if these two sorts of men, the one will resolve on the affirmative, delight to spend money on choice Materials, as in particular to imitate Solomon, in the procuring of precious Wood; they may take notice (if they please) that store of precious Wood can be had for the boarding of Princely Palaces, both for Colour, Aromatick smell and durance; to make square framed Pannels (more rich then those which are seen at Paris in the Cabinets of the Palace called Orleans) which precious Woods are to be had in several parts in the West-Indies, some whereof are as red as the fairest Vermilion, some yellow as Gold, hard as [Page 109] Marble; besides rare Madera, and other variously figured, as the Right Honourable the Lord Willoughby of Param well knoweth, what extent of Land about Surrenam is beset with speckled wood, and is not above six weeks sail from England, where ships full of lading may be had, besides large Timber, eighty foot high, At Abacoa. streight, without a knot, and at no other cost but felling and lading, more advantagious then to pay for Firr from Norway; besides a very gainful return of Amber Greece, and vendible commodities in exchange of Iron Tools, Sissers, Knives, old Linnen, and trifles.
To conclude, May all Builders both of Palaces and of particular Habitations, have good success and, possess them in peace and prosperity.
[Page 110] May also all Surveyors, Master Workmen, Journeymen and Labourers, behave themselves so as they ought.
Take well this former Counsel and Advice, give no admittance to Pride, the Enemy of all Learning; whereof a King was such a Lover, as that when near the hour of his leaving the World, he saw one advance more then others to him within the Curtain of his Bed, he askt, Whether he could learn him any thing that was good.
[Page] THere is sold by Thomas Heath at the Globe within Ludgate, a Shorthand Book, more easie and plain then hath yet been extant, and all sorts of Almanacks and Blank Bonds, Bills, Releases, Counter bonds, and Indentures, with Bills of Lading, and Scriveners Labels, either pasted or unpasted, with Boards or in Sheets; you may also have any sort of Texting done there at his shop, either on Parchment or Dutch Paper, Recoveries or exemplifications; as also direction for true attaing the Art of Short-Writing, very beneficial to Clerks, or Attornies, with several other Instructions in Sciences.