Crocket

Not to be confused with Crockett or Cricket.

A crocket (or croquet) is a small, independent decorative element common in Gothic architecture.^[1] The name derives from the diminutive of the Old French croc, meaning "hook", due to the resemblance of a crocket to a bishop's crook-shaped crosier.^[2]

Crocketed spire of the Notre-Dame Church in Vitré, France

Description

Crockets, in the form of stylized carvings of curled leaves, buds or flowers, are used at regular intervals to decorate (for example) the sloping edges of spires, finials, pinnacles, and wimpergs.^[3][4]

As ornaments

When crockets decorate the capitals of columns, these are called crocket capitals. This element is also used as an ornament on furniture and metalwork in the Gothic style.^[5]

Examples

• All Souls College – Oxford
• Canterbury Cathedral
• Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral – Paris
• León Cathedral – Spain
• Duke Chapel