FREE ESSAY ON ENGLISH ARCHITECTURE DURING MEDEIVAL TIMES

ENGLISH ARCHITECTURE DURING MEDEIVAL TIMES

English Architecture During Medieval Times
Corey Frentress
English IV
November 15, 200
Architecture is the practice of building design and the technology applied in
constructing a building. Medieval or, English architecture is very appealing in the
variety of castles and cathedrals throughout England. Each structure has its own feature
and aspects in reflecting the Gothic style of architecture. English architecture is based
on the Gothic principal of architecture that has designed the vast castles and cathedrals
from early to the late Gothic structures.
The most popular form of architecture in England, early Gothic style is referred to as
the "Bay Design." This design consisted of simply a large building and a collection of
different bays throughout the span. The building consisted of a single roof, one central
ridge with two planes of rafters. This Medieval form is called a single span. (Braun 91)
The most important feature in English architectural punctuation consists of buttresses,
broad pilasters to form a sound system for the structure. The buttresses were slender
strips employed by architects that supported the main walls. Broad pilasters added great
dignity to the wall surfaces and were stepped in place at various angles of the building
to propose a sturdier forum. ( Braun 99 ) During the 14th and 15th centuries advanced
roofing technology enabled the spans of buildings t be increased. ( Braun 98 ) this meant
that enormous cathedrals and castles could be constructed and still retain the strength
of smaller structures. The large galleried churches of the tenth through the twelfth
centuries were scientifically designed to have many windows to light the gallery floor.
By the early Gothic period the row of rounded windows was accepted for being the main
principle for lighting. The early Gothic or bay unit design was merely the popular design
chosen throughout the early Gothic times in England.
The Gothic form of architecture was developed upon the bay design. Gothic architecture
became the leading European style. ( Cormack 4 )This form of building used the basic
preliminary planning, support system, roof span. The Gothic style of building took
creativity to another level using creative methods of decoration. 
The first practice of this new style was performed by a small group of well born French
preclates, mostly bishops. ( Trachtenberg, Isabelle 257 ) The earliest of the Gothic
style, incorporated in England, was the construction of Canterbury Cathedral. Here the
English took the French style of planning and restraint then relaxed it to their own
style. From here on Gothic architecture became the leading European style. (
Trachtenberg, Isabelle 251 ) This European style consisted of extreme length and square
ended parts. The squared geometry provided for a sound foundation for the structure. The
vaulting supports are of origin of the early bay design. In a more late Gothic Cathedral
the walls are composed of disconnected horizontal layers. ( Trachtenberg, Isabelle 252 )
By 1300 the Culnivear style had derived in the world of Gothic architecture. This time
period was where a wide variety of tracery patterns, and more often architects freely
used their own ideas. Architects in England felt free and no longer obligated to follow
the basic French style. From this point on the English designed freely at their own will.
The later Gothic emphasis to design many different styles of cathedrals and castles.
In constructing a cathedral each stage was carefully planned out. The foundation was laid
out using the principal of straight lines and right triangles. Medieval cathedrals were
built in a wide variety of styles. The main support of a church was from the great stone
pilasters and flying buttresses. The flying buttresses are square strips holding the main
vault in place for a support system for the cathedral. The aspects of cathedrals include
the great length, decoration and lavish ornamentation. The Gothic cathedrals resemble a
textile like series of small niches surrounding the walls for statuary. ( Trachtenberg,
Isabelle 251 ) English cathedrals are great aspects of Gothic architecture.
As well as cathedrals, castles were constructed using the same distinct orientation by
the talent of architects during Medieval times. Castles throughout the English country
are commonly found in relation to a site that was used for defense purposes. A castle
contained a wide range of facilities to support a community of people. There are several
different types of castles: enclosure, mote and bailey and masonry castles. Before
construction began a site had to be selected. Examination of the earth was performed to
establish the contour of the land. This played a key role in where the castle was
located. Mostly throughout England castles are found along the coast or the mouth of a
river. The rounded windows and delicate patterns within the castles distinctly show the
magnificent talent of Gothic architects during the Medieval period. There really is no
formal system of support to a castle. The walls are so thick they can support themselves.
Surrounding a Medieval castle was a mound of dirt referred to as a mote. Most castles
have this feature as a resolution to defense tactics. In other cases a rampart was
excavated. Medieval architecture was an important factor in the lives of English
citizens. 
The Gothic style of architecture came a long way from the simple bay design to the
Curvilinear style of building. Architects of the Medieval time period learned how to plan
and carefully construct impressive structures throughout English. Each building dates
back to the characteristics of the early and late Gothic time period from the twelfth
century to almost the sixteenth century. 
Works Cited
1. Braun, Hugh (ed.) English and Medieval Architecture. North Finchley, London: Bracken
Books a division of Best Seller Publications.
2. Brown, R. Allen (ed.) The Architectures of Castles. United Kingdom: B.T. Ltd, 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. The Netherlands: Harry N. Adams, 1986.
Outline 
Thesis Statement:
English Medieval Architecture is based on the Gothic principal of architecture that has 
designed the vast castles and cathedrals from early to the late Gothic structures.
I. Introduction.
II. Early or Pre Gothic 
A. Bay Design 
1. Single roof span and various supports 
a. Buttresses 
b. pilasters
B. Design of structures during Medieval time period 
C. Characteristics of this design 
III. The beginning of England's own style of building
A. Gothic style used basic features of previous bay design 
B. Canterbury Cathedral 
C. Characteristics of Gothic Architecture
D. Architects designed free will 
IV. Cathedrals
A. Precisely Planned 
B. Wide Variety
V. Castles
A. Planning
B. Types
C. Features and location
VI. Conclusion