Editing Abacus (architecture) (section)

==Examples in England==
Early [[Anglo-Saxon architecture|Saxon]] abaci are frequently simply [[wikt:chamfer|chamfered]], but sometimes grooved as in the crypt at [[Repton]] (fig. 1) and in the arcade of the refectory at [[Westminster Abbey]]. The abacus in Norman work is square where the columns are small; but on larger piers it is sometimes octagonal, as at [[Waltham Abbey (abbey)|Waltham Abbey]]. The square of the abacus is often sculptured with [[Ornament (architecture)|ornament]]s, as at the [[Tower of London|White Tower]] and at [[Alton, Hampshire]] (fig. 2). In Early English work, the abacus is generally circular, and in larger work, a group of circles (fig. 4), with some examples of octagonal and square shapes. The mouldings are generally half-rounds, which overhang deep hollows in the capital. In France, the abacus in early work is generally square, as at [[Chateau de Blois]] (fig. 3).<br />
[[Image:abacus1-4.png]]