LAMBETH PALACE.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 274, 12 August 1908, Page 8

LAMBETH PALACE.

From a very' early period Lambeth Palacs has been tho residence of the Archbishops of Canterbury. The original building, which dates back to the twelfth century,, if not earlier, has long ago disappeared. Of the present the chapel is the oldest part, having been set up by Boniface in 1270. From the time of Cranmer and long after, it was customary for all the Archbishops and Bishops to be consecrated here. Previous to the Civil Wars, the windows were filled with tho most beautiful coloured glass, showing the story of the world from the creation to the Day,of Judgment. 'At that time, however, they were all broken- In the days of Laud, however, an attempt was mado to replaco them, but owing to the great expense the work was never completed. Thero is a magnificent hall, which was built in 1663 by Archbishop Saxon at a cost of close upon £11,000; as also a library, containing many thousands of rare volumes aud manuscripts. The stato dining-room was formerly known as the Guard Chamber, and is hung with portraits of the Archbishops since tne Reformation. Then, too, there is tli6 "Post Room," so called'from a post in. the centre, which supports the roof. In olden times thero used to bo a niche on the palace wall facing the river, on which stood a small image of Thomas a Becket. to which the Thames watermen took off their hats as they rowed by.