History of Grotesques and Gargoyles

The Gargoyle often make his perch
On a cathedral or a church
Where, mid ecclesiastic style,
He smiles an early-Gothic smile
Written by British born, American writer, Oliver Herford. This rhyme accurately and succinctly describes the duality that a grotesque or gargoyle rainspout portrays. This grotesque serves as a springer, a supporting element at the base of an arch that springs from the wall.