TimeRef - Medieval History Timelines

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Introduction

This section describes the architecture used in Britain's large churches, cathedrals and castles during the Medieval period. The progress in design can be divided into several categories that roughly describe each stage. The main stages were: -

Romanesque (or Norman)
Early English Gothic
Decorated Gothic
Perpendicular Gothic

Each stage had its own distinctive characteristics and it is still possible to see the different stages in the churches, cathedrals and castles that remain.

Romanesque or Norman	AD 1066 - 1190 (+/- 25 years)
	Inspired by Roman architecture Massive and solid construction Semi-circular arches Church shaped like a cross Zig-zag mouldings Apsidal east end constructions Click here for more information
Early English Gothic	AD 1190 - 1275 (+/- 25 years)
	Pointed arches Clusters of small columns to form pillars Favourite style for Cistercian Abbeys Roche Abbey Wells Cathedral Salisbury Cathedral Click here for more information
Decorated Gothic	AD 1275 - 1350 (+/- 25 years)
	Elaborate windows and vaulting Higher and more elegant columns Exeter Cathedral The Octagon at Ely Click here for more information
Perpendicular Gothic	AD 1350 - 1550 (+/- 25 years)
	Fan-vaults Emphasis on vertical lines Bath Abbey Hereford central tower Henry VII's Chapel at Westminster Click here for more information