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English Gothic is an architectural style that flourished from the late 12th until the mid-17th century. The style was most prominently used in the construction of cathedrals and churches. Gothic architecture's defining features are pointed arches, rib vaults, buttresses, and extensive use of stained glass. Combined, these features allowed the ...
May 5, 2022 · Learn about the origins, features and styles of Gothic architecture in medieval England. Explore examples of Gothic cathedrals, churches and other buildings from Canterbury to Westminster.
In England, the first large-scale application of English Gothic architecture occurred at Canterbury Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, while a good example of how it evolved naturally from Norman architecture can be seen at Durham Cathedral which has the earliest-known pointed rib vault.
- Salisbury Cathedral. Built between 1220 and 1258, Salisbury Cathedral is widely recognised as one of the finest examples of English Gothic architecture.
- Canterbury Cathedral. One of the oldest cathedrals in England, Canterbury Cathedral has a long history that can be traced back to the 6th century. The original church was completely rebuilt in the early 11th century, and then rebuilt again 100 years later in the English Gothic style following a fire.
- Wells Cathedral. Described as “unquestionably one of the most beautiful” and “the most poetic” of English cathedrals, Wells Cathedral serves the second smallest city in England.
- Lincoln Cathedral. For over 200 years, Lincoln Cathedral was the tallest building in the world until its central spire collapsed in 1548. With key Gothic features such as flying buttresses, ribbed vaults and pointed arches, it is considered a masterpiece from the medieval period.
May 31, 2024 · Gothic architecture, architectural style in Europe that lasted from the mid-12th century to the 16th century, particularly a style of masonry building characterized by cavernous spaces with the expanse of walls broken up by overlaid tracery.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
The Gothic style first appeared in the early 12th century in northern France and rapidly spread beyond its origins in architecture to sculpture, textiles and painting, including frescoes, stained glass and illuminated manuscripts.
The story of Early English Gothic architecture 1180-1275, covering the evolution of the style and major buildings to visit in England.
