Chapter House | York Minster

The magnificent ceiling of the Chapter House at York Minster. Constructed between 1260 and 1296, this is surely one of the finest examples of early decorated English Gothic in existence today. The octagonal space is about 19m (63 feet) across, the roof the same height above the floor, with seven great windows providing expressive light. The wooden ceiling is a marvel of graceful aesthetics and engineering, requiring no central column to support it as is usual in these structures. Above the central boss showing a lamb and flag is the 'king post', rising to the apex of the roof. This is made from *three* oak trees spliced together, supported by a lattice of further framing. The House was used as a meeting chamber for the canons of York, and they sat around the edge facing each other. Not visible in this model are the collection of small carved stone heads adorning the seating, showing the faces of royals, churchmen and probably charicatures of the masons themselves. 80 images, processed in Metashape.