Fire at Reims Cathedral
- When
- 1481
- Where
- Reims Cathedral
- Episodes
- 1
On 24 July 1481, a fire caused by worker negligence destroyed the spire, central bell tower, and roof galleries of Reims Cathedral. Molten lead caused further damage, and the original 15th-century organ was largely lost.
Episodes
Background and detail
Cathedral Context. Reims Cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is a major Gothic structure and the traditional site for French royal coronations. It served as the seat of the Archdiocese of Reims before the 1481 incident.
The 1481 Fire. Negligence by workers covering the high wood-and-lead flèche over the transept sparked a fire. The blaze destroyed the spire's framework, the central bell tower, and the galleries at the roof's base.
Extent of Destruction. Dripping molten lead caused additional structural damage. The fire largely destroyed the original 15th-century pipe organ and left nothing above roof height on the four towers flanking the transepts.
Post-Fire Modifications. Following the destruction, an additional decorative blind gallery was added to the upper walls. This feature included arches, pinnacles, trilobe rosettes, and gables, altering the cathedral's exterior appearance.
Sources
- Reims Cathedral Wikipedia
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