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Thursday 15 March 2018

STONE GARGOYLES - CATHEDRAL OF ST ANDREW


           

Construction of the magnificent Cathedrale St-Andre in Bordeaux began in the 11th Century. The grotesque carved stone gargoyles (les gargouilles) were designed to ensure that rainwater was directed away from the walls of the church and could weigh as much as 500 kg!

Why should they have been grotesque? Possibly a warning to people below ... 

This church was also the venue for the marriage of the 15-year old Eleanor of Aquitaine to the 17-year old Louis VII in 1137 ... so again, possibly the gargoyles were expressing their surprise that people so young, were getting married!

OJ

  

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