PERPENDICULAR, the name given to the style of Gothic architecture in England which succeeded the decorated style. It prevailed from about the end of the 14th c. to the middle of the 16th c., and was thus contemporary with the flamboyant style in France. These styles have much in common, but they derive their names from the features pecul iar to each. Thus the flamboyant (q.v.) is distinguished by the flowing lines of its tracery; whilst the perpendicular is remarkable for its stiff and rectilinear lines. The lines of the window-tracery are chiefly vertical, and the mullions are frequently crossed by horizontal bars. The moldings are usually thin and hard. The same feeling pervades the other features of the style; the buttresses, piers, towers, etc., are all drawn up and attenuated, and present in their shallow recesses and meager lines a great contrast to the deep shadows and bold moldings of the earlier styles. The art of masonry was well understood during the perpendicular period, and the vaulting was admirably built. Fan-tracery vaulting. (q.v.) belongs to this style. The depressed or
four-center arch is another of its peculiar features. This arch, over doorways, has the moldings generally arranged in a square form over th earth, with spandrels containing shields, quatrefoils, etc. Paneling was also much used, the walls being frequently almost entirely covered with it, as in Henry VIL's chapel at Westminster. There are many well known buildings of this style. Most of the colleges at Oxford and Cambridge belong to it, and in almost every cathedral and church of importance there are some specimens of it. Open timber roofs are very common in the perpendicular style, and are amongst the peculiar and beautiful features of the architecture of this country. The roof of West minster hall, built by Richard IL, is the largest example ever erected.