Editing Norman architecture (section)

==Norman arch==
The Norman arch is a defining point of Norman architecture. Grand [[arch]]ways are designed to evoke feelings of [[awe]] and are very commonly seen as the entrance to large religious buildings such as cathedrals. Norman arches are semicircular in form. Early examples have plain, square edges; later ones are often enriched with the zig-zag and roll mouldings. The arches are supported on massive [[column]]s, generally plain and [[Cylinder|cylindrical]], sometimes with spiral decoration; occasionally, square-section [[Pier (architecture)|pier]]s are found. Main doorways have a succession of receding semicircular arches, often decorated with mouldings, typically of chevron or zig-zag design; sometimes there is a [[Tympanum (architecture)|tympanum]] at the back of the head of the arch, which may feature sculpture representing a Biblical scene. Norman windows are mostly small and narrow, generally of a single round-headed light; but sometimes, especially in a [[bell tower]], divided by a shaft into two lights.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bloxam |first=Matthew Holbeche |date=1841 |title=The Principles of Gothic Ecclesiastical Architecture |url=https://www.ajhw.co.uk/books/book68/book68.html#CHAPTER_IV |location=Oxford |publisher=John Henry Parker |pages=52–57 |author-link=Matthew Bloxam }}</ref>