1.
The crowning ornament of a pinnacle spire or roof
Explanation
A finial is a decorative ornament that is placed at the top of a pinnacle, spire, or roof. It adds a finishing touch and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the structure. Finials can come in various shapes and designs, such as a ball, a pointed tip, or a decorative figure. They are often made of materials like metal, wood, or stone. The purpose of a finial is to provide a visually pleasing element that completes the look of the architectural feature it is placed on.
2.
An elongated triangular form, narrowing towards the top and extending to the air.
Explanation
The given correct answer for this question is "Pinnacle". A pinnacle is a tall, pointed structure or peak that is often seen in natural landscapes, such as mountains or cliffs. It is characterized by its elongated triangular form, narrowing towards the top and extending into the air.
3.
A tapering triangular structure often set atop a tower in a church or other medievalized buildings
Explanation
A spire is a tapering triangular structure that is commonly found on top of towers in churches or other medieval-style buildings. It is a distinctive architectural feature that adds height and elegance to the structure. The spire is typically pointed and can be made of various materials such as stone, wood, or metal. It serves both a decorative and functional purpose, providing a visual focal point and also helping to support the weight of the tower.
4.
A carved or moulded grotesque figure protuding from the top of a wall designed to carry out water
Explanation
A gargoyle is a carved or molded grotesque figure that protrudes from the top of a wall. It is specifically designed to carry out water, serving as a decorative and functional architectural element. Gargoyles are often found on buildings such as cathedrals and castles, where they serve as rain spouts to divert water away from the structure's walls and foundations. These figures are typically carved with elaborate and sometimes monstrous designs, adding a unique and ornamental touch to the building's exterior.
5.
The Sphere-shaped crowning ornament of a pinnacle
Explanation
An orb finial is a sphere-shaped crowning ornament that is commonly used on top of a pinnacle. It is a decorative element that adds a finishing touch to the structure, giving it a more elegant and regal appearance. The orb shape represents unity, completeness, and perfection, making it a fitting choice for a crowning ornament. The term "orb finial" accurately describes this specific type of ornament, making it the correct answer.
6.
The usually triangular part of the wall enclosing the sloping faces of a pitched roof
Explanation
A gable is the typically triangular portion of a wall that encloses the sloping sides of a pitched roof. It is a distinctive architectural element often found in traditional houses and buildings. The gable provides structural support to the roof and also adds aesthetic appeal to the overall design. It is commonly seen in residential homes, barns, and other structures with sloping roofs.
7.
Ornamental stonework set within the aperture of a window
Explanation
Curvilinear tracery refers to the ornamental stonework that is set within the aperture of a window. It is characterized by its curved and flowing lines, which create intricate patterns and designs. This type of tracery is commonly found in Gothic architecture, where it is used to enhance the beauty and elegance of windows. The curvilinear nature of the tracery adds a sense of grace and fluidity to the overall design, creating a visually stunning effect.
8.
Part of the tower where the bells are hung
Explanation
The part of the tower where the bells are hung is called the belfry. The belfry is typically located at the top of the tower and houses the bells, which are rung to signal the time or for special occasions. It is often a prominent feature of churches or other buildings with bell towers.
9.
A narrow, tall structure, here projecting from the crossing or west end of the church
Explanation
The given description refers to a narrow and tall structure that is projecting from the crossing or west end of a church. This structure is commonly known as a tower. A tower is a vertical structure that is often found in churches and serves various purposes such as housing bells, providing a vantage point, or acting as a visual focal point for the building.
10.
The roughly triangular space created between the outer side of an arch's curve.
Explanation
A spandrel refers to the roughly triangular space that is formed between the outer side of an arch's curve. It is the area that is enclosed by the arch and the surrounding structure. This term is commonly used in architecture to describe the space that is left between the arch and the adjacent wall or column. The spandrel can be left empty or it can be filled with decorative elements such as sculptures, reliefs, or mosaics. It is an important architectural feature that adds visual interest and aesthetic appeal to the overall design of the arch and the surrounding space.
11.
Circular window delineated with often highly complex tracery that gives it the appearance of a multipetalled rose
Explanation
A rose window is a circular window with intricate tracery that resembles the petals of a rose. The tracery is often highly complex, creating a beautiful and ornate design. This type of window is commonly found in Gothic architecture, particularly in cathedrals and churches. The name "rose window" comes from the resemblance to a rose flower, with the tracery radiating outwards from the center like petals. The design and craftsmanship of rose windows are considered to be architectural masterpieces, showcasing the skill and artistry of the craftsmen who created them.
12.
A masonry structure providing support to a wall
Explanation
A buttress is a masonry structure that is built to provide support to a wall. It is usually made of stone or brick and is designed to help stabilize and strengthen the wall, especially when it is under pressure or at risk of collapsing. Buttresses are often used in the construction of large buildings or cathedrals to prevent the walls from bowing outward or crumbling under the weight of the structure. They are typically placed at regular intervals along the wall and provide additional strength and stability to ensure the longevity and structural integrity of the building.
13.
A large entranceway composed of three openings typically found at the west end of medieval cathedrals
Explanation
A tri-partite portal refers to a large entranceway composed of three openings commonly found at the west end of medieval cathedrals. This architectural feature is characterized by its division into three distinct parts or sections. The term "tri-partite" indicates the division of the portal into three openings or compartments. The use of such portals in medieval cathedrals was a common design element, often showcasing intricate carvings and decorative details. The term "Tripartite Portal" and "Tri-partite Portal" both refer to the same architectural feature.
14.
A small dormer window set into a spire often louvred
Explanation
A lucarne is a small dormer window that is typically set into a spire and is often louvred. It is a specific architectural feature that is commonly found in buildings with spires.
15.
A series of arched recesses in a wall designed to hold statues or simply provide surface variegation
Explanation
The term "arcade of niches" refers to a series of arched recesses in a wall that are specifically designed to hold statues or provide surface variegation. This architectural feature is commonly seen in buildings and structures where the recesses create a visually appealing display of artwork or decorative elements. The word "arcade" indicates a series of arches, while "niches" refers to the recessed areas within the arches. Together, they form an arcade of niches, which serves both functional and aesthetic purposes in architectural design.
16.
A bracket projecting from a wall to support a structure alone
Explanation
A corbel is a bracket that projects from a wall to support a structure alone. It is typically made of stone, wood, or metal and is used in architecture to provide additional support or decorative elements to a building. Corbels can be found in various forms and designs, ranging from simple and functional to intricate and ornamental. They are commonly used in arches, balconies, and cornices to add strength and visual interest to the structure.
17.
A low protective wall running along the edge of the roof
Explanation
A parapet is a low protective wall that runs along the edge of a roof. It is designed to provide safety and prevent people from falling off the roof. Parapets can also serve aesthetic purposes, enhancing the overall appearance of a building. They are commonly found in various architectural styles and are often made of materials such as stone, brick, or concrete.
18.
A column composed of several shafts
Explanation
A clustered column is a type of chart that displays multiple columns side by side, representing different categories or groups. In this case, the column is composed of several shafts, indicating that there are multiple columns grouped together, forming a cluster. Each shaft within the cluster represents a different category or subcategory, allowing for easy comparison and analysis of data.
19.
A small gable used to top a buttress
Explanation
A gablet is a small gable that is used to top a buttress. A gable is the triangular portion of a wall between the edges of a sloping roof, typically at the end of a building. A buttress is a structure built against a wall to support or reinforce it. Therefore, a gablet is a small triangular structure that is placed on top of a buttress to provide additional support and reinforcement.
20.
A widnow shape formed by tracery using eight foils
Explanation
An octofoil window is a window shape formed by tracery using eight foils. Tracery refers to the intricate stone or woodwork that forms decorative patterns in windows. In this case, the window has eight foils, which are the curved, lobed shapes that radiate from a central point. The term "octofoil" is derived from the Latin words "octo" meaning eight, and "folium" meaning leaf, which accurately describes the shape of the window.
21.
A window piercing the upper storey of the nave, transepts and looking over the aisle roof
Explanation
A clerestory window is a window that is located in the upper part of a building, specifically in the nave, transepts, and overlooking the aisle roof. It is designed to bring natural light into the interior space and create a sense of openness and height. The placement of these windows allows them to be above eye level, providing privacy while still allowing light to enter. The term "clerestory" comes from the Old English word "clear," meaning bright or clear, and "story," meaning level or floor.
22.
A statue set in an arched recess in a wall surface
Explanation
The correct answer is "Niche with statue." A niche refers to a recessed area in a wall that is specifically designed to display an object, in this case, a statue. The statue is set within this arched recess, creating a visually appealing and prominent display.
23.
A tracery formed from series of continuously curving bars
Explanation
The correct answer is "Curvilinear tracery, flowing tracery". Curvilinear tracery refers to a type of architectural ornamentation composed of continuously curving bars. Flowing tracery also describes a similar type of tracery that has a fluid and continuous appearance. Both terms essentially describe the same concept of tracery formed from series of curving bars, hence they are both correct answers.
24.
A window giving light to a crypt
Explanation
An undercroft window refers to a window that provides light to a crypt. An undercroft is a space typically located beneath a building, such as a church or a castle, and is often used for storage or as a cellar. Since crypts are usually found in such buildings, it is reasonable to assume that an undercroft window would be responsible for illuminating the crypt. Therefore, the answer "Undercroft window" is a suitable explanation for the given description.
25.
An exterior set of steps leading to a grand entranceway or portal
Explanation
A perron is a term used to describe an exterior set of steps leading to a grand entranceway or portal. It is typically a decorative feature that adds elegance and grandeur to a building's entrance. The word "perron" is derived from the French language and is commonly used in architectural contexts. It can be seen in various historical buildings and palaces, where it serves as a focal point and enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the structure.
26.
A window piercing the outer wall of the aisles
Explanation
An aisle window is a window that is located in the outer wall of the aisles. This means that the window is positioned in a way that it pierces through the outer wall of the aisles, allowing light to enter and providing a view from the inside to the outside.