English Architecture During the Medieval Period
The practice of building design and the technology used in constructing a building is known as architecture. Medieval or English architecture is particularly attractive due to the assortment of castles and cathedrals found throughout England. Each structure possesses unique characteristics and elements that showcase the Gothic style of architecture. English architecture is primarily influenced by the Gothic architectural principles, which have guided the creation of numerous castles and cathedrals from early to late Gothic structures.
The “Bay Design” was the most popular form of architecture in England during the early Gothic period. It featured a large building with different bays throughout. The building had a single roof with one central ridge and two planes of rafters, known as a single span. (Braun 91) Essential to English architectural punctuation were buttresses, which were broad pilasters that provided structural support to the main walls. Architects used slender strips for buttresses, while broad pilasters were added to increase the wall surfaces’ dignity and strength, positioned at various angles of the building. (Braun 99) In the 14th and 15th centuries, advancements in roofing technology allowed for larger spans in buildings. This enabled the construction of enormous cathedrals and castles that still maintained the strength of smaller structures. The large galleried churches of the tenth to twelfth centuries were meticulously designed with multiple windows to light the gallery floor. As the early Gothic period progressed, rounded windows became widely accepted as the main lighting principle. The bay unit design was chosen as the popular architectural style during early Gothic times in England.
The Gothic style of architecture emerged from bay design and became the dominant style in Europe (Cormack 4). It incorporated fundamental elements such as preliminary planning, support system, and roof span. This architectural form elevated creativity by employing innovative decoration techniques.
The initial practice of the new style was carried out by a small group of French preclates, who were mostly bishops and from well-bred backgrounds (Trachtenberg, Isabelle 257). The earliest example of Gothic architecture in England was seen in the construction of Canterbury Cathedral. English architects adopted the French style of planning and restraint, but also introduced their own unique elements. This marked the beginning of Gothic architecture becoming the predominant style in Europe (Trachtenberg, Isabelle 251). The European version of this architectural style featured long and square-ended sections. The square geometry provided a solid foundation for the structure, and the early bay design influenced the construction of vaulting supports. In later Gothic cathedrals, the walls consisted of disconnected horizontal layers (Trachtenberg, Isabelle 252). By 1300, the Culnivear style emerged in the world of Gothic architecture. During this time, architects experimented with a wide range of tracery patterns and freely incorporated their own ideas, breaking away from the traditional French style. English architects enjoyed the freedom to design according to their own preferences. This led to an abundance of diverse styles in the later period of Gothic architecture, seen in various cathedrals and castles.
In the process of building a cathedral, each stage was meticulously planned. The foundation was constructed based on the concept of straight lines and right triangles. Medieval cathedrals exhibited a diversified array of architectural styles. The primary structural support of these churches relied on the magnificent stone pilasters and flying buttresses. These flying buttresses, which are in the form of square strips, securely held the main vault and served as a support system for the cathedral. Characteristics associated with cathedrals encompass their immense length, intricate embellishments, and lavish ornamentation. Gothic cathedrals, in particular, feature a series of small niches resembling textiles that surround the walls to showcase statuary. (Trachtenberg, Isabelle 251) English cathedrals are prime examples of Gothic architecture.
During the Medieval period, talented architects constructed castles in a similar manner to cathedrals. These castles, commonly found throughout the English countryside, were strategically located for defense purposes. They provided various facilities to support the community. The three main types of castles were enclosure, mote and bailey, and masonry castles. Before construction, the land’s contour was examined to determine the site. In England, castles were often situated along the coast or at river mouths. The Gothic architects of the time showcased their skills through rounded windows and intricate patterns within the castles. The walls of these castles were so thick that they required no external support. A mote, a mound of dirt, typically surrounded a Medieval castle as a defense measure, although sometimes a rampart was excavated instead. Medieval architecture played a significant role in the lives of English citizens.
The Gothic style of architecture evolved significantly, progressing from a basic bay design to the more intricate Curvilinear style. During the Medieval era, architects in England acquired the knowledge and skills needed to meticulously plan and construct remarkable structures. Each building reflects the distinct characteristics of the early and late Gothic periods, which spanned from the twelfth to the sixteenth centuries.
1. The book titled “English and Medieval Architecture” was edited by Hugh Braun. It was published by Bracken Books, a division of Best Seller Publications, and is located in North Finchley, London.
2. The Architectures of Castles, edited by Brown, R. Allen. Published by B.T. Ltd in United Kingdom in 1984.
3. Clucas, Philip. Churches and Cathedrals of England. London: Tiger Books International, 1987.
4. Coramck, Patrick. Castles of Britain. London: Artus Books, no date given.
5. MacDonald, Fiona & James, John. A Medieval Cathedral. New York: Tiger Bedericks Books, 1994.
6. Trachtenberg, Marvia & Hyman, Isabelle (ed.) Architecture From Prehistory to Post Modernism, published in 1986 by Harry N. Adams in The Netherlands.
The basis of English Medieval Architecture is the Gothic architectural principle.
From early to late Gothic structures, vast castles and cathedrals were designed.
One roof span with multiple supports
B. During the Medieval time period, there was a focus on designing structures.
Characteristics of this design for C:
III. The inception of England’s unique architectural style
A. The Gothic style incorporated fundamental elements from previous architectural designs such as bay design.
C. Features of Gothic Architecture
