Gothic Style in Britain Essay Example for Free

knightly Style in Britain Essay gothic port has been enduring father of architectural design in Britain. Its development was complex and contradictive as it offers grand vision of forms, shapes and angles. Nevertheless, the fashion has found its recognition. Usually, on distinguishes four major developmental stages of gothic style Norman Gothic dated 1066-1200 Early incline Gothic dated 1200-1275 Decorated Gothic dated 1275-1375 and, finally, orthogonal Gothic dated 1375-1530. The term gothic originated in France and was often referred to as the philosophy of architecture.Speaking near characteristics of gothic style, it is necessary to admit strong vertical lines, minimal groyne seats, high vaulted ceilings, reinforce walls and pointed door openings(Ross 2005). For the first time British architects became interested in gothic style during the Norman Gothic period or, in other words, during the Norman Conquest. That period brought Gothic style to life. Nevertheless, during that period British style was similar tot hat of the rest in the Europe and it hasnt yet found distinguishing character.Designs of buildings were transitional as many of them were relieve provided with thick piers and rounded windows which were inherent to Romanesque style. Decoration and vaulting were simple and small sign of elaborate rock candywork was observed. Nevertheless, that period was the foundation of original British gothic style being so popular even today. Famous examples of that period are Wells Cathedral, Durham Cathedral and Ely Cathedral(Mahoney 1995). During the Early English period English architects had managed to truly adapt peculiarities of gothic style.Actually, that period was called Lancet due to pointed shaft windows. Proportions were still magnificently simple, as well as the forms were still austere. The main points of early gothic style were lancet windows, slender towers, narrow shafts, and quadripartite ribbings in vaults. The best known ex ample of early gothic style can be seen at Salisbury Cathedral(Frankl 1962). The third stage of gothic development was Decorated Gothic period being characterized by fanciful tracery and window ornamentation. New feature was that windows became wider than lancet ones.Invention of fleeting buttress contributed significantly development of gothic style as it became possible to provide widening or lessening in wall areas naturally. Furthermore, vaulting techniques improved and was much of help in supporting weighting off the walls. The wall became little more than sells with decorated window openings. During that period architects became interested in stone decoration which was varied and rich. Moreover, window glass became more colorful and vivid. Designs were marked by stone carvings and paintings. one and only(a) of the famous examples of Decorated Period is Exeter Cathedral(Harvey 1990). Finally, Perpendicular period was characterized by strong vertical lines in wall paneling and window tracery. The style became more functional. Flying buttress was provided with decorative features and vaults were elaborate fan shapes. British towers became decorated elaborately they became massive and traceried spider-webs of stone like lace. Distinguishing features of that period were minimum wall space which entailed the viewer with the feeling of spaciousness and light.Kings College Chape and Henry VIIs chapel at Westminster Abbey were built in Perpendicular style(Ross 2005). It is necessary to underline that gothic style never really died in Britain after the mediaeval period. During 17th and 18th centuries gothic styles was still present despite popularity of classical themes which were ruled only by fashion. For example, gothic elements were added to Christopher Wrens London churches to make them look older. In the end of the 18th ampere-second Batty Langley opened school of romanticized Gothic architecture which became popular design of domestic buildings.Finally, in the graduation of the 19th century gothic style was proclaimed to be more suitable to university buildings and churches Kings College and Bridge of Sighs at Johns college(Frankl 1962).BibliographyFrankl, Paul. (1962) Gothic Architecture. Baltimore, Penquin Books. Harvey, John. (1950) The Gothic World, 1100-1600 A Survey of Architecture and Art. London, B. T. Batsford. Mahoney, Kathleen. (1995) Gothic Style. UK, Harry N. Abrams. Ross, David. (2005) Gothic Architecture in England Internet. Available from http//www. britainexpress. com/History/Gothic-architecture. htm Accessed 14 February 2008.