Illustrated Dictionary of British Churches - Fan Vaulting Definition

History and Architecture

Fan Vaulting

One of the last - and most extravagant - forms of medieval vaulting. Fan vaults are so named because the vaulting ribs resemble an open fan, with ribs of equal length radiating out from a single point supported by a vaulting shaft or capital. The fan vault ribs are bound by a a semi-circular rib, and the grouped ribs are shaped like an inverted concave cone. Shorter lierne ribs crisscross the radiating ribs, creating intricate patterns. Some of the best known examples of fan vaulting are King's College Chapel in Cambridge, the nave of Sherborne Abbey in Dorset, and the choir of Peterborough Abbey in Cambridgeshire.

Related: Capital   Chapel   Choir   Nave   Vaulting   Lierne  




National Trust

National Trust membership

National Trust membership

Free entry to National Trust properties throughout England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, plus discounted admission to National Trust for Scotland properties.

Membership details

About the National Trust


HISTORY CORNER
Name the mystery historic attraction
See larger image



This Celtic saint began his career as a simple shepherd boy. He entred the monastery of Melrose in 651 and in 664 became prior of Lindisfarne



01 October, 1163

Council of Westminster, Henry II claims power to punish criminal clerics

Henry's former ally, Thomas Becket, leads a clerical revolt against Henry's power-grab

Who said, 'I would sell London itself if I could find a buyer'



Passionate about British Heritage!