William Vertue facts for kids

William Vertue was a talented English architect who lived a long time ago and passed away in 1527. He was especially famous for designing amazing ceilings called fan vaults. Imagine a ceiling that looks like a giant, open fan – that's a fan vault! These ceilings were very popular in grand buildings during his time.

William Vertue's Amazing Buildings

William Vertue worked on some of the most famous buildings in England. He helped create beautiful and strong structures that are still admired today.

Working on the Tower of London

Around 1501 and 1502, William Vertue and his brother, Robert, were involved in building parts of the Tower of London. This famous castle has a long history, and the Vertue brothers helped make it even stronger.

Designing Bath Abbey's Ceiling

William Vertue also worked on Bath Abbey. He and his brother Robert were so proud of their work on the abbey's ceiling. They told Bishop Oliver King, who was paying for the work, that their vaulting would be the most beautiful in both England and France! This shows how confident they were in their incredible designs.

Creating Henry VII's Chapel

Between 1506 and 1509, William Vertue was a key architect for the Henry VII's Chapel at Westminster Abbey. Sadly, his brother Robert passed away during this time, so William was mostly responsible for this huge project. He designed the stunning fan vaulting and the high windows, called clerestory windows, which let in lots of light.

Helping with King's College Chapel

William Vertue also shared his knowledge with another architect named John Wastell. He gave advice on how to design the fan-vaulted ceiling for King's College Chapel, Cambridge. This chapel is known for having one of the most impressive fan vaults in the world.

His Last Known Project

William Vertue's last known architectural work was the fan vault over the crossing at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. A "crossing" is where the main parts of a church meet. He started this project, but it was finished in 1528, after he had passed away. His work on this chapel completed his legacy of creating magnificent and lasting architectural wonders.

Gallery of Architectural Work

• 

  Fan Vault, Bath Abbey. The vault designed by William Vertue is in the distance, in the chancel. The closer vault is a copy made much later.

• 

  St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, vaulting. The fan vault over the crossing was William Vertue's last known work.

• 

  Henry VII's Chapel, Westminster Abbey, showing the main vault designed by William Vertue.

• 

  Henry VII's Chapel, Westminster Abbey, showing the beautiful aisle vault.

• 

  Henry VII's Chapel, Westminster Abbey, an exterior view from the south-east.

• 

  Henry VII's Chapel, Westminster Abbey, an interior view looking west.