 One of the effects of the Crusades, which were intended to wrest the Holy Places of Palestine from Islamic control, was to excite a great deal of religious fervour, which in turn inspired great building programs.The Nobility of Europe, upon safe return, thanked God by the building of a new church or the enhancement of an old one.Likewise, those who did not return from the Crusades could be suitably commemorated by their family in a work of stone and mortar.