Transom (architectural)

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In architecture, a transom is the term given to the horizontal lintel or beam which is framed across a window, dividing it into stages or heights.

Transom is the customary U.S. word for a traditionally fixed window over a door or an operating sash window. ^[1]^[2] In England, the transom above a door is usually referred to as a fanlight, and occasionally as an "overlight", or by the French word "vasistas."^[3] The word "fanlight" derives from the fan-like shape of early transoms, which became a traditional part of the Georgian style.^[4] The French term is phonetically similar to German phrase "was ist das?" ("what is that?"). Hence folk etymology ascribes its origin to a visiting German's reaction to seeing a transom during a trip to France.^[5]

1 History
2 Publishing and Investigations
3 References
4 See also

[edit] History

In early Gothic ecclesiastical work, transoms are only found in belfry unglazed windows or spire lights, where they were deemed necessary to strengthen the mullions in the absence of the iron stay bars, which in glazed windows served a similar purpose. In the later Gothic, and more especially the Perpendicular Period, the introduction of transoms became common in windows of all kinds.^[6]

[edit] Publishing and Investigations

The phrase over the transom refers to works submitted for publication without being solicited. The image evoked is of a writer tossing a manuscript through the open window over the door of the publisher's office.^[7] Similarly, the phrase is used to describe the means by which confidential documents, information or tips were delivered anonymously to someone who is not officially supposed to have them. ^[8]