Crossings, Towers and Spires
crossingGlossary Term [1], the meeting point of the four arms of a great church, called for great skill on the part of the designer. This was an important part of the church, providing lightGlossary Term [2] and space above the choirGlossary Term [3] stalls, which in the RomanesqueGlossary Term [4] period often extended to the eastern bays of the naveGlossary Term [5], as at Norwich Cathedral [6]. Here, unusually, the 12th century tower remains as an open lanternGlossary Term [7] above the crossingGlossary Term [8]. The tower is carried on four arches, and the crossingGlossary Term [9] piers at the four corners had to be strong enough to carry its weight. It was not uncommon for crossingGlossary Term [10] towers to collapse, and there were additional problems when it was decided to heighten the tower to accord with the ambitions of 13th and 14th century builders. The crossingGlossary Term [11] tower of Norwich was given an impressive stone spireGlossary Term [12] in the 14th century.