DEFINITION OF GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE; ITS ORIGIN, AND THE DIVISION OF IT INTO STYLES. Q. What is meant by the term “Gothic Architecture”? A. Without entering into the derivation of the word “Gothic,” it may suffice to state that it is an expression sometimes used to denote in one general term, and distinguish from the Antique, those pecu Q. To what can the origin of this kind of architecture be traced? A. To the classic orders in that state of degeneracy into which they had fallen in the age of Constantine, and afterwards; and as the Romans, on their voluntary abandonment of Britain in the fifth century, left many of their temples and public edifices remaining, together with some Christian churches, it was in rude imitation of the Roman structures of the fourth century that the most ancient of our Anglo-Saxon churches were constructed. This is apparent from an examination and comparison of such with the vestiges of Roman buildings we have existing. Q. Into how many different styles may English ecclesiastical architecture be divided? A. No specific regulation has been adopted, with regard to the denomination or division of the several styles, in which all the writers on the subject agree: but they may be divided into seven, The Saxon Or Anglo-Saxon Style, which prevailed from the mission of Augustine, at the close of the sixth, to the middle of the eleventh century. The Norman style, which may be said to have prevailed generally from the middle of the eleventh to the latter part of the twelfth century. The Semi-Norman, Or Transition style, which appears to have prevailed during the latter part of the twelfth century. The Early English, or general style of the thirteenth century. The Decorated English, or general style of the fourteenth century. The Florid Or Perpendicular English, the style of the fifteenth, and early part of the sixteenth century. The Debased English, or general style of the latter part of the sixteenth and early part of the seventeenth century, towards the middle of which Gothic architecture, even in its debased state, became entirely discarded. Q. What constitutes the difference of these styles? A. They may be distinguished partly by the form of the arches, which are triangular-headed, Q. Are the majority of our ecclesiastical buildings composed only of one style? A. Most of our cathedral and country churches have been built, or had additions made to them, at different periods, and therefore seldom exhibit an uniformity of design; and many churches have details about them of almost every style. There are, however, numerous exceptions, where churches have been erected in the same style throughout; and this is more particularly observable in the churches of the fifteenth century. Q. Were they constructed on any regular plan? A. The general ground plan of cathedral and conventual churches was after the form of a cross, and the edifice consisted of a central tower, with transepts running north and south; westward of the tower was the nave or main body of the St. Martin's, Leicester, circa A.D. 1250. St. Martin's, Leicester, circa A.D. 1250.
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