Balcony is a name introduced into architecture by the Venetians and Genoese. It was originally a palcus, or advanced tower over a gate-house, intended to carry the machicolations. In the 15th century it was built as an ornament in front of private houses. At St. Bartholomew's, Smithfield, there is a glazed balcony; in the south-nave aisle of Westminster is one of timberand both communicated with the superior's lodge. At Durham the old anchorage or porch in the north choir aisle was used by the prior to hear high-mass; it was reached by steps; and on the south side of the choir of St. Alban's a similar raised platform was discovered, which was probably used for the same purpose. At Westminster processions could be conveniently viewed from the projecting oriel.
The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature was edited by John McClintock and James Strong. It contains nearly 50,000 articles pertaining to Biblical and other religious literature, people, creeds, etc. It is a fantastic research tool for broad Christian study.
John McClintock was born October 27, 1814 in Philadelphia to Irish immigrants, John and Martha McClintock. He began as a clerk in his father's store, and then became a bookkeeper in the Methodist Book Concern in New York. Here he converted to Methodism and considered joining the ministry. McClintock entered the University of Pennsylvania in 1832 and graduated with high honors three years later. Subsequently, he was awarded a doctorate of divinity degree from the same institution in 1848.WikipediaRead More