Capstone symbology

rikj · Post by **rikj** » Sun 18 Mar, 2007 10:48 pm

I've been starting to wonder about the symbology used in the old capstones that adorn the gatepost of many houses in Leeds. The older stone ones will be from maybe the early 1800s up to probably around 1900, possibly even earlier for some.I like them as they have a simplicity that seems to link back to an even earlier time. Carved from stone they use very simple geometric shapes, triangles, pyramids, spheres, circles etc. It's only when you start to look at a lot of them that shapes start to recur.One of the oddest, but most common shapes is what I'd call a double pyramid. It has one pyramid, with a smaller one plonked on top. The dimensions and proportions vary considerably. The four faces are sometimes decorated with symbols that are almost invariably on the theme of three pointed symbols.Mmm, and seeing as the pic failed to upload it will be in the next post I hope.

rikj · Post by **rikj** » Sun 18 Mar, 2007 11:01 pm

A basic double pyramid capstone.

rikj · Post by **rikj** » Sun 18 Mar, 2007 11:06 pm

A basic double pyramid capstone.

rikj · Post by **rikj** » Sun 18 Mar, 2007 11:06 pm

A double pyramid capstone with small embellishment along the theme of three.

rikj · Post by **rikj** » Sun 18 Mar, 2007 11:11 pm

I suppose this one is a triple pyramid, and the side embellishment is almost a fleur-de-lys. If you start to look into the symbolgy it all starts to get a bit Dan Brown!!

rikj · Post by **rikj** » Sun 18 Mar, 2007 11:16 pm

And finally a truely bizarre gatepost to have in your front garden. I'd be interested to know if there is any rhyme or reason behind these designs. This double/triple pyramid is only one of several recurring themes in these capstones, but it's a bit of a pain to post them all up. Any feedback welcome.