All of the High Gothic Cathedrals except Bourges Cathedral used the newer four-part rib vault, which allowed more even weight distribution to the piers and columns in the nave.
Early Gothic churches used alternating piers and columns to support the varying weight from the six-part vaults, 
In 1192 Notre Dame, which had six-part vaults, had introduced a new kind of support; a central pillar surrounded by four engaged shafts.
The pillars supported the gallery, while the shafts continued upwards as colonettes attached to the walls and supported the vaults.
Variations of this kind of support gave greater harmony to the appearance of the nave.
They frequently had capitals which were decorated with floral sculpture.
They appeared at Chartres and then were found, in various forms, in all of the High Gothic Cathedrals.
All of the High Gothic Cathedrals except Bourges Cathedral used the newer four-part rib vault, which allowed more even weight distribution to the piers and columns in the nave. Early Gothic churches used alternating piers and columns to support the varying weight from the six-part vaults, 
In 1192 Notre Dame, which had six-part vaults, had introduced a new kind of support; a central pillar surrounded by four engaged shafts. The pillars supported the gallery, while the shafts continued upwards as colonettes attached to the walls and supported the vaults. Variations of this kind of support gave greater harmony to the appearance of the nave. They frequently had capitals which were decorated with floral sculpture. They appeared at Chartres and then were found, in various forms, in all of the High Gothic Cathedrals.
High Gothic