Two- and three-dimensional geometry in tierceron vaults: A case study of the cloister at Norwich Cathedral

Webb, N ORCID: 0000-0002-5998-1961, Hillson, J and Buchanan, A ORCID: 0000-0001-9433-9651 (2021) Two- and three-dimensional geometry in tierceron vaults: A case study of the cloister at Norwich Cathedral In: Seventh International Congress on Construction History (7ICCH), 2021-7-12 - 2021-7-16, Lisbon, Portugal.

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Abstract

The cloister at Norwich Cathedral has one of the most contested construction histories in English medieval architecture. Built in 1297–1430 under a succession of patrons and master masons, the cloister’s complex building sequence has invited a wide range of interpretations by architectural historians. However, these discussions have rarely taken account of the two-dimensional and three-dimensional geometry of the tierceron vaults above. A key exception to this is the work of Robert Willis (1800–75). This paper uses a variety of digital surveying and analytical methods to re-examine the concept of the middle plan and its potential as a tool for comparing forms and geometries in medieval vaulting. By considering the potential implications of the observations made for the building’s construction sequence, the paper represents a comprehensive re-evaluation of the middle plan as a method for architectural study, suggesting new directions for research both for the cloister and construction history more generally.

Item Type:	Conference Item (Unspecified)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	33 Built Environment and Design, 3301 Architecture, 43 History, Heritage and Archaeology
Divisions:	Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences > School of the Arts
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	16 Jul 2021 08:24
Last Modified:	23 May 2026 06:09
DOI:	10.1201/9781003173434-121
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3130171
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