High along the exterior walls of the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. is an elaborate drainage system. Gargoyles are part of the extensive water removal system designed to decorate and protect the Cathedral all at the same time. Here is a short video clip of the gargoyles in action.
Watching these gargoyles at work, I think Sandy won’t be a match for them. Spewing water only when the gutters are filled up with 16 inches of water, I’m sure they will be hard at work for the next few days.
There are 112 gargoyles throughout the Cathedral walls. Finding them is like a treasure hunt as no two are alike. Gargoyles are different than Grotesques as gargoyles are part of the drainage system, while grotesques are purely decorative. The ones below are grotesques.
These gargoyles were carved between the years of 1960 and 1987 and each one was individually designed by the artist, donor and stone mason. (source: http://www.aao.org/careers/seniors/upload/Scope_Sept2010-2.pdf)
I stood just outside of one wall and managed to see a number of gargoyles and grotesques. Truly another field trip would be in order to see if I could manage to find all of the 112 gargoyles. Perhaps I need to enlist the assistance of volunteer docent Andy Bittner, as he is the unofficial expert of the National Cathedral. Check out his new WordPress blog here. Why don’t you stop by and meet Andy, he’s a really interesting person, full of enthusiasm and passion for the Cathedral.
Even on the National Cathedral pigs can fly
Current weather conditions: It’s been raining since last night, with an occasional wind gust. The center of Hurricane Sandy is scheduled to hit this afternoon, north of Baltimore, so New Jersey and New York are predicted to be the worst hit. Near Annapolis on the Chesapeake Bay, we’re expected to have over 5 inches of rain, wind gusts up to 75 mph, and a storm surge of 1-3 feet. The electric company announced this morning that they expect 1 million people to be out of power in my area. Thank goodness for generators.
All is well at the Manor for now, just some slight flooding which was abated by moving a gutter pipe. No storm surge yet at the docks.
Categories: Foot Prints, Washington DC
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Wow! Those are amazing! I never knew about them. Cool thanks!
They really are cool aren’t they Phil? Would you believe that one of the grotesques is Darth Vadar?
Wow, those Gargoyles are fantastic! I bet they are working overtime about right now. Hoping you weather the storm!
Thanks Becky ! I think they’re pretty cool too. Wish I could be there now to see how they look in the storm. So far we’re holding on well enough. Other areas have been hit harder. Worst to come in the middle of the night.
Holy Moly! Button up the overcoat! Love the photos. We will stop by to check put the docent’s blog. We love DC! Woof Woof
Ps. Glad you have a generator!
Hi Maggie ! Indeed, that is what I did when I went out earlier. Once the 40 mph wind gusts began, I scurried home. So far so good!
Wow, this is so interesting. Loved the video, Bella. Lets hope that the gargoyles are up to the task. I’m so glad that you’re well prepared for the storm. Thinking of you lots. 🙂
You are so very kind, a true kindred spirit. I thought the water spouting was really interesting also. The worst will be tonight, darn as I’d like to watch the storm as it progresses.
What an amazing variety of them! Had never heard of these gargoyles nor seen any pictures before! Hope they manage to keep the cathedral water-free. Take care and stay safe.
Now wouldn’t that be a neat idea Madhu? Travel around the world looking for gargoyles and grotesques on churches? I just captured a few and there are so many. Thank you so much for your kind thoughts.
Amazing, Cool Photos – thanks for sharing – Happy Monday:)
Thanks Renee ! Now time for the storm party!