Illustrated Dictionary of British Churches - Rose Window Definition

History and Architecture

Rose Window

A style of medieval window in the shape of a stylised flower blossom, common in the Gothic period, and usually decorated with stained glass. The term is sometimes applied to any circular window. In Britain such windows are most often found in the end walls of transepts. A variant is the wheel window, a round window opening decorated with spokes radiating from a central boss or roundel. Some notable rose windows in Britain can be found in the north transept of Westminster Abbey, the cathedrals at York, Durham, Lincoln, and Oxford, and the minster church at Beverley.

Related: Boss   Transept   Gothic   Wheel Window  



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