Ball flower
The ball-flower is an architectural ornament in the form of a ball inserted in the cup of a flower. It came into use in the latter part of the 13th century in England and became one of the chief ornaments of the 14th century, in the period known as English [Gothic architecture#Decorated Gothic (late 13th–late 14th centuries|Decorated Gothic].
Ball-flowers were generally placed in rows at equal distances in the hollow of a moulding, frequently by the sides of mullions. Examples are found in many churches of the period including Gloucester Cathedral; St Mary's Church, Bloxham; St. Michael's Church, Swaton ; and Tewkesbury Abbey. The presence of ball-flowers on the west part of Salisbury Cathedral has helped date this facade to the 14th century.