A Medieval Knight's Dream T0 build or not to build, that is the quest

Cathedrals

BONG! BONG! BONG! The sound of deafening bells clanged through the empty cathedral halls. Seconds later, the shuffling of the monks can be heard. When the monks finish the first song and prayers a hush comes over the service. The bishop mounts his throne and the monks leave. Pools of light enter through stained glass and the gold and jewels sparkle on a king's grave. But the morning in Paris has barely begun. This is a medieval cathedral.

In the Middle Ages, the main purpose of the cathedral was religion. Cathedrals were expected to carry out many services a day. The medieval people believed that was how they could earn their place in heaven, among other things.

Although religious services were the main purpose, a cathedral had other duties. Crownings ( called coronations in the Middle Ages), christenings, weddings, and funerals all took place there. People could even be buried inside the cathedral! People also built them to show off to visitors, pilgrims, and high officials.

In the Middle Ages land was divided up into sections, called dioceses. A bishop got one diocese each to use for religious purposes. People gave funds to build cathedrals to lift their sins. Funds would come from many people, even the king sometimes! Bishops were people who lead the church with the pope. Often, shops and houses were torn down to make space, sometimes making people mad at the bishop.

To build a cathedral stonecarvers, carpenters, a master mason, an architect, a master stone cutter, laborers, a stone dresser, a black smith, plumbers, a roofer, mortar makers, a glazier or glass maker, a stained glass craftsman, and sculptors were needed. A master mason was in charge, masons were the main builders. Carpenters and blacksmiths actually just made the tools. Plumbers didn't make pipes, back then they put lead on the spires!

Two important building materials were stone and wood. Oak was considered the best wood. Once the foundations were done they did the stonework. They even made life-size models, because there wasn't modern math.

Building might take hundreds of years, and the offspring of the builders had the same work until the job was done. From sunrise to sunset they worked, so it was longer in the summer. Gargoyles were spouts that carried rain water away from the walls. Sometimes, as a mean joke, they were made to look like the bishop or a worker! Stained glass windows, statues, and painting were picture Bibles for those who couldn't read.

Some parts to a cathedral are very important, others are just extras. The bells in the bell tower often signaled beginnings of services or served as a clock to tell time. The choir, closest to the alter, was where the clergy stood during services. Buttresses supported the walls under the heavy roof. Clerestories were rows of windows that let extra light inside. The porch provided shelter for worshippers or the clergy. The roof was made of tiles over planks of wood. A rose window was round, filled with stained glass, and symbolized eternity. Spires were tall, pointed structures covered with shingles and topped with a cross or golden weather vane. The nave was the body of the cathedral. The flying buttresses acted like bridges connecting the buttresses. Arcades were the rows of arches supported by pillars.

The monasteries housed all the monks. There were often many passages, the kitchen, chapel, work rooms, the garden, and were the monks lived. They were built by the bishops. The monks provided spiritual help to visitors and cleaned the church. The popes were the heads of the cathedral. The bishops were in charge of the services. They wore very fancy clothes and held a staff, called a crosier , to represent the townspeople as the sheep and him as the shepherd. The monks provided services for the church and educated kids, living a simple life. Pilgrims traveled to a holy place, maybe were a saint was buried. Priests criticized them, though. The pilgrims thought their actions earned them a place in heaven.

Cathedrals were an important part of the Middle Ages. Many can still be seen today, and in fact, the latest Disney movie was about a medieval cathedral. I hope, after reading my report, you will remember the importance of religion and a church in the Middle Ages. This, long ago, was the cathedral's place in our world.

 

 

The Music Room

To WebQuests menu

To Band Pages