Cathedrals

 __ Cathedrals in the Middle Ages By: Natalie Houillion __



 __

Cathedrals __ Cathedrals in the Middle Ages were built after the churches began being overcrowded with the growing population. They were a place of worship where weddings, funerals and crownings were also held. The dying often left all their possesions to the church in hope of being sent straight to heaven. Religion had a big impact on the people of the Middle Ages. __ Architecture __ Cathedrals were often built in the roman style with arched roofs. They were typically made out of limestone and wood. Lead, tile or slate were also used for building the roofs of the cathedrals. Mortar, an early form of cement was used to bind bricks together and other building materials. In 1140 a new style called Gothic was developed. The weight of the roof rested on outside supports called buttresses.These buttresses allowed thinner walls and taller windows. Columns also helped spread out the weight and pressure from the cathedrals. Stained glass windows were very common in these magnificient buildings. They each represented a scene from a bible story, or showed a symbol of christianity.





To build these Cathedrals, many people with specific roles were needed. Some of these roles include stone carvers, carpenters, architects, a master stone cutter, laborers, a stone dresser, a black smith, plumbers, a roofer and a stained glass craftsman. If any of the needed workers were to die before their job was finished, their offspring were required to take their place until it was finished.

__Citation List__ Langley, Andrew. __Medieval Life__. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1996.

Lee, Alex. Arndt, James. and Goldmacher, Shane. __Thinkquest- Cathedral Architechture.__ 16 April 2009 [|http://library.thinkquest.tqskip=1#Inside]