Interlaced arch

File:Interlaced arches.png

Interlaced arches is a scheme of decoration employed in Romanesque and Gothic architecture, where arches spring from alternate piers, interlacing or intersecting one another. In the former case, the first arch archivolt is carried alternately over and under the second, in the latter the archivolts actually intersect and stop one another. An example of the former exists in St Peter-in-the-East in Oxford and of the latter in St. Joseph’s chapel in Glastonbury, and in the Bristol Cathedral.{{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Interlaced Arches|short=1|volume=14|page=693}}{{MW|interlacing arches}} The arches in the interlacing arcade can be either semicircular or pointed, and usually form purely decorative blind arcades.{{sfn|Hourihane|2012|p=131|loc=Interlace}}

The interlaced arches are most likely an invention of Islamic architecture (cf. Bab al-Mardum Mosque, 999-1000 AD and Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba, 833-988{{sfn|Moffett|Fazio|Wodehouse|2003|loc=Islamic Architecture}}). This decoration was especially popular in England, with the most famous example at Lincoln Cathedral (St Hugh's choir).{{sfn|Hourihane|2012|p=131|loc=Interlace}}

File:Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz 01, Toledo.jpg|Bab al-Mardum Mosque

File:Double Arcade - geograph.org.uk - 637902.jpg|Arcade at St Hugh's choir of Lincoln Cathedral

File:Arqueria acceso salon dorado-2.jpg|Non-blind mixed-line arches at Aljafería Palace