But this design, owing to the disorganised state of affairs, was never carried into execution.
At the time of the Commonwealth, while the interior of the sacred fabric underwent every sort of desecration and mutilation,--while stones were torn from the pavement, and monumental brasses from tombs,--while carved stalls were burnt, and statues plucked from their niches,--a similar fate attended the portico.

Shops were built beneath it, and the sculptures ornamenting its majestic balustrade were thrown down.
Amongst other obstructions, it appears that there was a "high house in the north angle, which hindered the masons from repairing that part of it." The marble door-cases, the capitals, cornices, and pillars were so much injured by the fires made against them, that it required months to put them in order.

At the Restoration, Sir John Denham, the poet, was appointed surveyor-general of the works, and continued to hold the office at the period of this history.
As Leonard drew near the portico, he perceived, to his surprise, that a large concourse of people was collected in the area in front of it; and, rushing forward, he found the assemblage listening to the denunciations of Solomon Eagle, who was standing in the midst of them with his brazier on his head.

The enthusiast appeared more than usually excited.

He was tossing aloft his arms in a wild and frenzied manner, and seemed to be directing his menaces against the cathedral itself.
Hoping to obtain assistance from the crowd, Leonard resolved to await a fitting period to address them.