Wells Cathedral: Difference between revisions
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Figure 2 Wells Cathedral Floor Plan | Figure 2 Wells Cathedral Floor Plan | ||
The Nave with North and South Aisles separated by [[Architecture Glossary#Arcades]] (Ten Bays long) Also an East and West Trancepts, a crossing that supports the tower, [[Architecture Glossary#Chancel]], [[Architecture Glossary#Choir|Choir]], [[Architecture Glossary#Lady Chapel]] and [[Architecture Glossary#Retrochoir]]. East End is [[Architecture Glossary#apsidal|apsida]] more European stylistically than the squared off ends at Salisbury and Gloucester. | The Nave with North and South Aisles separated by [[Architecture Glossary#Arcades|Arcades]] (Ten Bays long) Also an East and West Trancepts, a crossing that supports the tower, [[Architecture Glossary#Chancel|Chancel]], [[Architecture Glossary#Choir|Choir]], [[Architecture Glossary#Lady Chapel|Lady Chapel]] and [[Architecture Glossary#Retrochoir|retrochoir]]. East End is [[Architecture Glossary#apsidal|apsida]] more European stylistically than the squared off ends at Salisbury and Gloucester. | ||
Above the Arcade is [[Triforium]] rather than a [[Gallery]] below the [[Clerestory]]. Put together with the 10 Bays these features give it an emphasis on the horizontal and low | Above the Arcade is [[Architecture Glossary#Triforium|Triforium]] rather than a [[Architecture Glossary#Gallery|Gallery]] below the [[Architecture Glossary#Clerestory|Clerestory]]. Put together with the 10 Bays these features give it an emphasis on the horizontal and low | ||
[[File:well cathedral bays.png]] | [[File:well cathedral bays.png]] | ||
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Figure 3 Cathedral showing Bays, Triforium, Clerestory and [[Vault]] | Figure 3 Cathedral showing Bays, Triforium, Clerestory and [[Vault]] | ||
Other Notable Features | Other Notable Features | ||
The Strainer Arches are largely a functional feature added to support heavy Crossing Tower (a later addition) One needs to consider why this solution rather than a [[Flying Buttress]] or concealed buttress. | The Strainer Arches are largely a functional feature added to support heavy Crossing Tower (a later addition) One needs to consider why this solution rather than a [[Architecture Glossary#Flying Buttress|Flying Buttress]] or concealed buttress. | ||
The vault above the Chancel is a later addition. The [[lierne]] patterned ribs seem purely decorative rather than strengthening. However you can see the main ribs seeming tying the roof to the walls . In the [[Chapter House]] and at the Crossing are example of Perpendicular style Fan Vaulting | The vault above the Chancel is a later addition. The [[Architecture Glossary#lierne|lierne]] patterned ribs seem purely decorative rather than strengthening. However you can see the main ribs seeming tying the roof to the walls . In the [[Architecture Glossary#Chapter House|Chapter House]] and at the Crossing are example of Perpendicular style Fan Vaulting | ||
[[File:wells cathedral vault.png|400px|right]] [[File:wells cathedral fan vault.png|400px|left]] | [[File:wells cathedral vault.png|400px|right]] [[File:wells cathedral fan vault.png|400px|left]] | ||
Revision as of 14:35, 19 December 2010
The assignment that follows has been written by, and is entirely the work of, Paul Reed. Wells Cathedral, Wells Somerset. – built between 1175-1490
Figure 1 West End Wells Cathedral The West End – Has an Early English Style (or Lancet Gothic) in that utilizes features reminiscent of Romanesque. There is more solid mass, low and wide than the ‘skeletal’, high attitude and searing towers that you would see a French Gothic Cathedral. There are intricate stone carved moldings and not yet the Rose Window typical of later Gothic periods. Not see in the picture above but an elaborate Tracery Lancet Windows were added in the 1400’s There are Lancet windows that are grouped in two. Again typical of the Early English Style. The West Entrance very wide. Twice the width of the Nave. Clearly limitations on space was not an issue when building this Cathedral.
Inside Floor plan – Latin Cross
Figure 2 Wells Cathedral Floor Plan The Nave with North and South Aisles separated by Arcades (Ten Bays long) Also an East and West Trancepts, a crossing that supports the tower, Chancel, Choir, Lady Chapel and retrochoir. East End is apsida more European stylistically than the squared off ends at Salisbury and Gloucester. Above the Arcade is Triforium rather than a Gallery below the Clerestory. Put together with the 10 Bays these features give it an emphasis on the horizontal and low
Figure 3 Cathedral showing Bays, Triforium, Clerestory and Vault Other Notable Features The Strainer Arches are largely a functional feature added to support heavy Crossing Tower (a later addition) One needs to consider why this solution rather than a Flying Buttress or concealed buttress. The vault above the Chancel is a later addition. The lierne patterned ribs seem purely decorative rather than strengthening. However you can see the main ribs seeming tying the roof to the walls . In the Chapter House and at the Crossing are example of Perpendicular style Fan Vaulting
Figure 4 Decorated Vault and Fan Vaulting Overall impression Like many English cathedral built over many generations it incorporates many styles over many periods. The West and East ends looks to come from different churches.
The West End a more Romanesque while the large windows and elaborate tracery of East End make it more reminiscent of Perpendicular
Figure 5 Wells Cathedral East End
