The designer of the restoration of the chapter house has apparently thought that the original floor space might thus be retained without diminishing the stability of the structure, which is well buttressed on the exterior, and he has ingeniously calculated that the additional weight thrown by the corbelled out thickness on the interior of the walls would serve as a counterpoise to the outward thrust of the vaulting. The latter springs from a single vaulting shaft in each angle of the building, resting
Fig. 552.—Elgin Cathedral. Chapter House from South-West and South Aisle of Choir.
Fig. 553.—Elgin Cathedral. Chapter House: Interior.
on a carved head, and having a foliaged cap. The vaulting has ridge ribs and liernes, and is evidently founded on English examples. The intersections of the ribs are provided with ornamental bosses. The windows are large, and were divided with mullions and tracery of the middle pointed style, most of which is now demolished.