Its conical turret roofs and lofty chimneys, and its flashing finials and girouettes make a brave show above the forest trees.
"Hospital Sketches"
Robert Swain Peabody
Turrets with many airy finials, springing from flying buttresses that were adorned with figures of lions, dragons, and other symbolic creatures, rise above equally ornate parapets, the dignified single-centred arch was replaced by a four-centred form, and rectilinear lines superseded the beautifully flowing tracery of earlier windows.
"Architecture"
Nancy R E Meugens Bell
And certainly their finials do suggest kneeling, and the arrangement is such that it is nearly impossible not to assume a really devotional attitude.
"John Keble's Parishes"
Charlotte M Yonge