Lierne
|
The lierne vault boss in the nave at Tewkesbury Abbey features angels playing musical instruments. |
The Penguin Dictionary of Architecture (third edition) was published in 1980. It was created for Penguin Reference and compiled by John Fleming, Hugh Honour and Nikolaus Pevsner. It defines lierne as ‘a tertiary rib, that is, one which does not spring either from one of the main springers or from the central boss. A lierne vault is a ribbed vault with liernes.'
Lierne ribs have no specific structural function. Lierne vaulting is a late 13th century development that became more common in the 14th century as a feature of English Perpendicular architecture.
In the Pevsner Architectural Guide on Churches (published in 2016 by the Yale University Press and written by Simon Bradley), a lierne is described as ‘a shorter type of rib that can connect the main and secondary ribs at any point, thus liberating the mason to create multiple variants of star- and cross-shaped patterns.'
For this reason, lierne vaults are sometimes referred to as stellar vaults.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.
The Master Builder: William Butterfield and his times. Book review.