GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS
Astragal.
a moulding or wooden strip of semicircular or half round cross section​, or, a small semicircular plaster or stone moulding on a column or frieze
a bar separating panes of glass in cabinetmaking (like a lead came used in stained glass)
Bolection. A bolection is a decorative moulding which projects beyond the face of a panel or frame in raised panel walls, doors, and fireplaces.
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Cinquefoil. Five leaf or lobes. Here at the head of the arch is a five open leaf pattern with small cusps of stone between each.
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Crenallated parapet. Crenellations are the same as battlements on a medieval castle or fortified manor as Ashton Court had been and once required a licence. They provided a protected walkway at roof level from where the building could be defended with weapons or in later years just inspected and repaired.
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Enfilade. A suite of rooms with doorways in line with each other.
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Entablature. The upper part of a classical building supported by columns or a colonnade, comprising the architrave, frieze, and cornice.
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Gib door. See Jib door
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Jib door, or gib door. A door which is flush with, and treated in the same manner as, the surrounding wall so as to be concealed; has no visible hardware on the surface.
In a gentlemans' dining room or library this may be used to conceal items from staff and family.
In the NW wing the jib door is partially visible as the surface covering has been burnt off.
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Mullions. See Transoms and mullions
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Ogee. An ogee arch uses two ogees or S shaped curves on a concave and convex line. This decorative Islamic architectural style first appeared in England in the 14th century.
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Perpendicular Gothic. The final phase of English Gothic, found in late 14th to early 16th century architecture: walls became thinner and windows larger with emphasis on vertical lines with stiff and formal tracery.
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Quatrefoil. Four lobes or leaves. Here is a round, enclosed pattern, resembling a flower or clover leaf.
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Strawberry Hill. Strawberry Hill style is the name of Horace Walpole’s House begun in 1749.
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Transoms and mullions. In the illustration below, the transoms T form horizontal stone dividers between glazing sections, the mullions M are vertical, both provide rigid support for direct glazing or metal stays for small leaded glass panes.
