Fig. i.—Base of Decorated Shaft.
Basilica.—(1) A Roman public hall; (2) an early Christian church, similar to a Roman basilica in disposition.
Bastion (in Fortification).—A bold projecting mass of building, or earthwork thrown out beyond the general line of a wall.
Battlement.—A notched or indented parapet.
Bay.—One of the compartments in a building which is made up of several repetitions of the same group of features; e.g., in a church the space from one column of the nave arcade to the next is a bay.
Bay-window.—A window projecting outward from the wall. It may be rectangular or polygonal. It must be built up from the ground. If thrown out above the ground level, a projecting window is called an Oriel. (See Bow window.)
Bead.—A small moulding of circular profile.
Belfry.—A chamber fitted to receive a peal of bells.
Belfry Stage.—The story of a tower where the belfry occurs. Usually marked by large open arches or windows, to let the sound escape.