In pursuance of this principle, we * looked for an instance of an octangular room projecting beyond the general line of the wall, in some building of that date. The chapel of Henry VII., at Westminster, though not an octagon, was the only projecting regular polygon: this, therefore, became our model for the centre room of the north front, and this example not only furnished a precedent for a projecting room, but other parts of its composition peculiarly suited our situation.
*[In speaking of this house, I use the plural number, because the plans were the joint effort of a connexion and confidence which then so intimately existed between me and another professional person, that it is hardly possible to ascertain to whom belongs the chief merit of the design. Yet I claim to myself all that relates to the reasoning and principles on which the character of the house was adopted: to my son's knowledge and early study of the antiquities of England, may justly be attributed a full share of the general effect and proportions of the buildings; but as we did not direct the execution of the work, the preceding elevations are on so small a scale, as to describe only the general outline proposed, without copying the detail of what has been executed.]
