Scissor arch 13C - Wells cathedral’
The central tower above the crossing collapsed in 1248 . A new central tower was built circa 1315-22. Some 16 years later, in 1338, the records describe the cathedral as enormiter confracta (seriously broken) and enormiter deformata (seriously marred). This probably refers to the straining effects of the new tower on the crossing piers.
The remedy chosen for the cathedral was the scissor arches, built circa 1338-40. They take the strain of the central tower’s weight . The gothic-pointed arches are applied in a unique way by using an upright and an inverted form. There are arch mouldings and circular openings in the spandrels. The design is a type of open screen. However, the strength is in the form. It has been designed to not enclose with a solid form, and therefore not detract from the openness and light of the nave and crossing.
Scissor arch 13C - Wells cathedral’
The central tower above the crossing collapsed in 1248 . A new central tower was built circa 1315-22. Some 16 years later, in 1338, the records describe the cathedral as enormiter confracta (seriously broken) and enormiter deformata (seriously marred). This probably refers to the straining effects of the new tower on the crossing piers.
The remedy chosen for the cathedral was the scissor arches, built circa 1338-40. They take the strain of the central tower’s weight . The gothic-pointed arches are applied in a unique way by using an upright and an inverted form. There are arch mouldings and circular openings in the spandrels. The design is a type of open screen. However, the strength is in the form. It has been designed to not enclose with a solid form, and therefore not detract from the openness and light of the nave and crossing.