The fire of 1194 which devastated much of the cathedral opened the way for a new, larger and more beautiful cathedral to be built. Building started only a few months after the fire and within 26 years a cathedral, which stood apart from the rest and was to become one of France's most precious monuments, was almost finished.
In those days, without the aid of machines, labor was slow and intensive. Building techniques perfected in masons' organizations were handed down from generation to generation. A design was made, plans drawn and the layout of the cathedral staked out on the actual ground where it would be built. A [G 21 / master mason], taking something like the role of today's architect, led the operation, assisted by brother masons carefully trained in the same mason's organization. The stone to be used was then chosen. Finances for the material and labor were obtained, and then the work would commence.
All this took some time, particularly the raising of finances. We know that the people of Chartres were motivated to give generously in money and time to the project through the miracle of the Robe of the Virgin. Because this robe had miraculously escaped the fire, it was a sign from the Virgin that she wanted a new and better church built for her.
This can be interpreted as a clever piece of manipulation on the part of those who had to raise the finances. The support of the people of Chartres certainly made their job easier. However, huge sums must have been hastily raised. We also know that various monarchs and high clergy donated money for particular parts of the cathedral. But it is not explained where the rest of the money came from and how it was raised so quickly. Could the project have been financed largely by an organization with a great deal of ready cash?
