SEEKING
THE PERFECT VAULT
IN THE MIDDLE AGES
 
St Paul's without the walls, Rome

Old St Peter's was destroyed, but St Paul's is a close copy

 
Arch trying to fall down
 
Arch or Barrel Vault needing wide supports
 
Groin vault with crooked arris
 
Domed-up groin vault with semi-circular arris
 
Domed-Up Groin Vault with level top and resultant pointed arches
 
Norwich Cathedral, groin vault in ambulatory, detail showing painted conversion to rib vault
 
Norwich Cathedral, groin vault in ambulatory, detail showing painted conversion to rib vault