Anglo-Saxon architecture
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| - | The '''Architecture of England''' refers to the [[architecture]] practised in the territory of the present-day country of [[England]], and in the historic [[Kingdom of England]]. The term can also be used to refer to buildings created under English influence or by English architects in other parts of the world, particularly in the English and later British colonies and [[British Empire|Empire]], which developed into the [[Commonwealth of Nations]]. | + | '''Anglo-Saxon architecture''' was a period in the [[history of architecture]] in [[England]], and parts of [[Wales]], from the mid-5th century until the [[Norman Conquest]] of 1066. [[Anglo-Saxons|Anglo-Saxon]] secular buildings in [[Great Britain|Britain]] were generally simple, constructed mainly using [[timber]] with [[thatch]] for roofing. No universally accepted example survives above ground. |
| - | Apart from [[Anglo-Saxon architecture]], the major forms of non-[[vernacular architecture|vernacular]] architecture employed in England before 1900 originated elsewhere in western [[Europe]], chiefly in [[France]] and [[Italy]], while 20th-century [[Modernist architecture]] derived from both European and [[United States of America|American]] influences. Each of these foreign modes became assimilated within English architectural culture and gave rise to local variation and innovation, producing distinctive national forms. Among the most characteristic styles originating in England are the [[Perpendicular Gothic]] of the late [[Middle Ages]], [[High Victorian Gothic]] and the [[Queen Anne style architecture|'Queen Anne' style]]. | + | There are, however, many remains of Anglo-Saxon church architecture. At least fifty churches are of [[Anglo-Saxons|Anglo-Saxon]] origin with major Anglo-Saxon architectural features, with many more claiming to be, although in some cases the Anglo-Saxon part is small and much-altered. It is often impossible to reliably distinguish between pre- and post-Conquest 11th century work in buildings where most parts are later additions or alterations. The [[round-tower church]] and [[tower-nave church]] are distinctive Anglo-Saxon types. All surviving churches, except [[Greensted Church|one timber church]], are built of stone or brick, and in some cases show evidence of re-used [[Roman architecture|Roman]] work. |
| - | ==See also== | + | The architectural character of Anglo-Saxon ecclesiastical buildings range from Celtic influenced architecture in the early period; [[Early Christian art and architecture|Early Christian]] [[basilica]] influenced architecture; and in the later Anglo-Saxon period, an architecture characterised by pilaster-strips, blank arcading, baluster shafts and triangular headed openings. In the last decades of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom a more general [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] style was introduced from the Continent, as in the now built-over additions to [[Westminster Abbey]] made from 1050 onwards, already influenced by Norman style. In recent decades architectural historians have become less confident that all undocumented minor "Romanesque" features post-date the [[Norman Conquest]]. Although once common, it has been incorrect for several decades to use the plain term "Saxon" for anything Anglo-Saxon that is later than the initial period of settlement in Britain. |
| - | *[[List of historic buildings and architects of the United Kingdom]] | + | |
| - | *[[List of British architects]] | + | |
| + | Early Anglo-Saxon buildings in Britain were generally simple, constructed mainly using timber with thatch for roofing. Generally preferring not to settle within the old Roman cities, the Anglo-Saxons built small towns near their centres of agriculture, at fords in rivers or sited to serve as ports. In each town, a main hall was in the centre, provided with a central hearth. | ||
| + | == See also == | ||
| + | |||
| + | *[[History of Anglo-Saxon England]] | ||
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Anglo-Saxon architecture was a period in the history of architecture in England, and parts of Wales, from the mid-5th century until the Norman Conquest of 1066. Anglo-Saxon secular buildings in Britain were generally simple, constructed mainly using timber with thatch for roofing. No universally accepted example survives above ground.
There are, however, many remains of Anglo-Saxon church architecture. At least fifty churches are of Anglo-Saxon origin with major Anglo-Saxon architectural features, with many more claiming to be, although in some cases the Anglo-Saxon part is small and much-altered. It is often impossible to reliably distinguish between pre- and post-Conquest 11th century work in buildings where most parts are later additions or alterations. The round-tower church and tower-nave church are distinctive Anglo-Saxon types. All surviving churches, except one timber church, are built of stone or brick, and in some cases show evidence of re-used Roman work.
The architectural character of Anglo-Saxon ecclesiastical buildings range from Celtic influenced architecture in the early period; Early Christian basilica influenced architecture; and in the later Anglo-Saxon period, an architecture characterised by pilaster-strips, blank arcading, baluster shafts and triangular headed openings. In the last decades of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom a more general Romanesque style was introduced from the Continent, as in the now built-over additions to Westminster Abbey made from 1050 onwards, already influenced by Norman style. In recent decades architectural historians have become less confident that all undocumented minor "Romanesque" features post-date the Norman Conquest. Although once common, it has been incorrect for several decades to use the plain term "Saxon" for anything Anglo-Saxon that is later than the initial period of settlement in Britain.
Early Anglo-Saxon buildings in Britain were generally simple, constructed mainly using timber with thatch for roofing. Generally preferring not to settle within the old Roman cities, the Anglo-Saxons built small towns near their centres of agriculture, at fords in rivers or sited to serve as ports. In each town, a main hall was in the centre, provided with a central hearth.
See also
