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Questions and Answers
Westminster Abbey was constructed in ______ ordered by Henry III.
Westminster Abbey was constructed in ______ ordered by Henry III.
1245
The central spire of Salisbury Cathedral is ______ m in height.
The central spire of Salisbury Cathedral is ______ m in height.
123.00
York Cathedral is the largest in both area and ______ of any English medieval cathedral.
York Cathedral is the largest in both area and ______ of any English medieval cathedral.
width
Canterbury Cathedral is famous from Geoffrey Chaucer’s ______ Tales.
Canterbury Cathedral is famous from Geoffrey Chaucer’s ______ Tales.
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Exeter Cathedral is considered the finest specimen of ______ Style.
Exeter Cathedral is considered the finest specimen of ______ Style.
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Bangor Cathedral was repeatedly ______ and thoroughly restored by Sir George Gilbert Scott.
Bangor Cathedral was repeatedly ______ and thoroughly restored by Sir George Gilbert Scott.
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The Five Sisters are a name given to Lancet windows of the north ______ in York Cathedral.
The Five Sisters are a name given to Lancet windows of the north ______ in York Cathedral.
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Westminster Abbey was partly rebuilt by ______ the Confessor.
Westminster Abbey was partly rebuilt by ______ the Confessor.
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The ______ creates a unifying feature that counteracts the horizontal divisions of the interior structure.
The ______ creates a unifying feature that counteracts the horizontal divisions of the interior structure.
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The dramatic technique of ribbed vaulting was introduced by ______ builders.
The dramatic technique of ribbed vaulting was introduced by ______ builders.
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The façade of a large church is designed to create a powerful impression on the ______.
The façade of a large church is designed to create a powerful impression on the ______.
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One of the most typical façades known is that of ______.
One of the most typical façades known is that of ______.
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The ______ is often a significant piece of sculpture found in the arch of the door.
The ______ is often a significant piece of sculpture found in the arch of the door.
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If there is a central door, it frequently bears a statue of the ______.
If there is a central door, it frequently bears a statue of the ______.
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A projecting support of stone or brick built against a wall is known as a ______.
A projecting support of stone or brick built against a wall is known as a ______.
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Ribs in ribbed vaulting not only provide support but also give a sense of ______ to the structure.
Ribs in ribbed vaulting not only provide support but also give a sense of ______ to the structure.
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A vertical ornament of pyramidal or conical shape that crowns a buttress is called a ______.
A vertical ornament of pyramidal or conical shape that crowns a buttress is called a ______.
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Gothic architecture features expansive areas of ______ that create a distinctive look.
Gothic architecture features expansive areas of ______ that create a distinctive look.
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The use of stained glass in windows adds a dimension of ______ to the light within Gothic buildings.
The use of stained glass in windows adds a dimension of ______ to the light within Gothic buildings.
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In Gothic architecture, walls need not be so weighty due to the increase in size of ______.
In Gothic architecture, walls need not be so weighty due to the increase in size of ______.
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The shafts in Gothic interiors often sweep unbroken from the floor to ______.
The shafts in Gothic interiors often sweep unbroken from the floor to ______.
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Gothic architects began using flying buttresses to prevent the outward collapse of ______.
Gothic architects began using flying buttresses to prevent the outward collapse of ______.
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Simple pinnacles were notably used on ______ churches to mask transitions in design.
Simple pinnacles were notably used on ______ churches to mask transitions in design.
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Study Notes
Gothic Architecture
- A medieval architectural style, evolving from Romanesque
- "Gothic" – initially a negative term, associated with the Goths, implying barbarism, contrasted with the perceived formality of classical styles
- Flourished from the mid-12th century to the 16th century
- Primarily a masonry style, featuring cavernous spaces with tracery
- Innovations in engineering permitted the construction of taller, more intricate buildings
- Characterized by significant, innovative features including:
- Flying buttresses: external supports to counteract outward pressure from arches, key to building height
- Pointed arches: enhancing verticality and structural efficiency
- Ribbed vaults: providing structural support and creating a sense of unity in the architectural design
- Large stained-glass windows: adding light and color to interiors, creating a dramatic effect
- Gargoyles and ornately decorated stone: decorative elements with additional functional role (water runoff)
- Lofty pinnacles: decorative elements, adding vertical emphasis
Characteristics
- Verticality: Emphasis on height and soaring structures reflecting religious significance
- Light: Use of stained glass windows to dramatically brighten the interiors and display a sense of divinity.
- Majesty and Glory: Impressive façades to create a powerful impression on worshippers, including features like rose windows, tympanum sculptures, and central portals.
Characteristics of Gothic Architecture
-
Plan:
- Cathedrals are often shorter than wider,
- Nave length is typically four times the width,
- Transepts can be absent or have slight projections,
- Cloisters are occasionally present, often situated in the southern sections of the Cathedral.
-
Walls:
- Early buttresses developed from Romanesque pilasters
- Buttresses often have vertical offsets.
-
Openings:
- Nave arcades are often tall, resulting from tall aisles.
- Clearstory windows are frequent and highly decorative
- Doorways might include elaborate carvings.
-
Roofs:
- Low-pitched roofs hide the structures from ground level .
- Steep gables are sometimes used to mask interior spaces.
- Timber or Iron Beams used instead of buttresses
-
Columns:
- Piers, usually composed of several combined pilasters spaced quite apart.
-
Ornaments:
- Opaque wall decorations like frescos and mosaics are less common than stained glass.
- Sculpture is often elaborate, influenced by classical refinements.
Notable Structures
- Notre Dame de Paris: an exemplary building that combined features of Gothic architecture and showed the innovative nature of the architecture
- Amiens Cathedral: renowned for its immense height and interior volume.
- Salisbury Cathedral: shows the characteristic features of English Gothic architecture.
- York Cathedral: the tallest central spire.
- Canterbury Cathedral: known for Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.
- Exeter Cathedral: showcasing Decorated style
- Bangor Cathedral: an example of a building that endured restoration.
- Cologne Cathedral: the tallest Gothic church.
- Antwerp Cathedral: shows the architecture of Belgium.
- Sevilles Cathedral: the largest Gothic cathedral in Europe.
- Barcelona Cathedral: displays Catalan style.
- Gerona Cathedral: shows chapels between buttresses along the exterior.
- Burgos Cathedral: with an irregular plan and distinctive towers.
Styles/Periods in England
- Norman: 1066 to 1154 AD
- Transitional: 1154 to 1189 AD
- Early English: 1189 to 1307 AD
- Decorated: 1307 to 1377 AD
- Perpendicular: 1377 to 1485 AD
- Tudor: 1485 to 1558 AD
- Elizabethan: 1558 to 1603 AD
French Styles
- Primiere: 12th century AD
- Secondaire: 13th century AD
- Tertiare: 14th to 16th century AD
Italian Styles/Notable Structures
- Italian Gothic: Regional variations of French Gothic, techniques less frequently used, often employing a low-pitched roof, and use of contrasting bands of marble in wall decoration.
- Milan Cathedral: The largest church in Italy.
- Certosa Pavia: an important Carthusian monastery
- Siena Cathedral: known for bands of marble decoration
- Basilica of San Francesco di Assisi: interior with unique features.
- San Antonio de Padua: A seven-domed pilgrimage church with a central plan.
- Doge's Palace, Venice: An example of a civil building from the period.
German, Belgium, and The Netherlands
- Germany: French influence.
- Belgium/Netherlands: French Gothic influences, developing Brabantine style,
- Apses common in both east and west.
- Entrances are frequently situated in north or south, not east and west.
- Frequently using piers instead of columns, often carved intricately and incorporating tracery into the walls.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the remarkable features and history of English Gothic cathedrals. This quiz will cover key structures, terms, and notable figures related to these iconic buildings. Perfect for students of architecture or history enthusiasts.
