AR 243

HISTORY OF
ARCHITECTURE 2
 GOTHIC
ARCHITECTURE
GEOGRAPHICAL
The former collection of states which became the German
empire, was inevitably in geographical touch with the
architecture of neighboring countries. The chief influence on
German Gothic architecture came from France and is
conspicuous in the Rhine provinces and Westphalia, notably
in cologne cathedral and other churches, castles, town halls
and domestic buildings along the Rhine.
GEOLOGICAL
The northern plains of Germany provide little building
material but brick, which gives a special character to the
architecture. In the center and south and along the Rhine,
excellent stone was found, while timber from the great forests
in theses regions gives and individuality to domestic
buildings, as in wooded districts of England.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Meaning of Gothic – “Dark Age”
o Invading barbarians from the north ruined ancient art
and replaced it with their own culture
Goths took Rome in 410
o little damage but became known as the first tribe of
barbarians and thus the name “Gothic”
GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE IN FRANCE

I. POLITICAL & GEOGRAPHICAL

The France in which the first experiments of Gothic
architecture were made, around 1140, was a geographical
rather that political entity.
The Capetian ruling family, with their domain centered on
Paris, had only recently established a precarious control of
the local baronage and it was to take them nearly a century to
establish the power and prestige which culminated in the
canonization of Louis IX in 1297, the event had real political
significance, welded France into a single state.
GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE IN FRANCE

I. POLITICAL & GEOGRAPHICAL

France’s central position within western Europe became an
asset, Paris was now more than ever the administrative and
cultural center of France. In effect, Paris became the cultural
cynosure for the whole of western Europe. Thus, the great
age of Gothic architectural experiment coincided with this
century of France’s political & economic expansion.
GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE IN FRANCE

II. ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER

The earliest development occurred in the Ile de France
Region in the 1130s, as the architects tried to vault the thin
walls that were traditional in the area, and culminated in
Suger’s choir at S. Denis,
which achieved a new luminosity and spaciousness.
Certainly, it drew heavily on the fertile Romanesque
experiments of the French Provinces, such as the technical
advances of Normandy & Burgundy, and the decorative
eagerness of the south-west.
SEQUENCE OF FRENCH GOTHIC STYLE

A. Early Gothic Transition or Primitive Gothic

B. High Gothic or Classic Gothic
C. Rayonnant Gothic
D. Flamboyant Gothic
E. Late Gothic.
A) EARLY GOTHIC TRANSITION OR PRIMITIVE GOTHIC
The Birthplace of New Style.
Abbey Church of St. Denis and Sens Cathedral seem to
have been the earliest large-scale architectural programmed
of undoubtedly “Gothic” nature.
St. Denis was small and elegant, as were most of
buildings, hence Senlis, Noyon, and St. Germain des Pres,
attempted to follow its lead.
Sens Cathedral however, with its considerable width and
height, established scale as a vital element in gothic design,
and prepared the way for the next generation of buildings –
buildings which in grandeur of conception surely earn the
moniker of High Gothic–notably Laon Cathedral in the Aisne
Valley and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
A) EARLY
Abbey ChurchGOTHIC TRANSITION
of St. Denis OR PRIMITIVE GOTHIC
The Birthplace of New Style.
Abbey Church of St. Denis and Sens Cathedral seem to
have been the earliest large-scale architectural programmed
of undoubtedly “Gothic” nature.
St. Denis was small and elegant, as were most of
buildings, hence Senlis, Noyon, and St. Germain des Pres,
attempted to follow its lead.
Sens Cathedral however, with its considerable width and
height, established scale as a vital element in gothic design,
and prepared the way for the next generation of buildings –
buildings which in grandeur of conception surely earn the
moniker of High Gothic–notably Laon Cathedral in the Aisne
Valley and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
 Sens Cathedral
A) EARLY GOTHIC TRANSITION OR PRIMITIVE GOTHIC
The Birthplace of New Style.
Abbey Church of St. Denis and Sens Cathedral seem to
have been the earliest large-scale architectural programmed
of undoubtedly “Gothic” nature.
St. Denis was small and elegant, as were most of
buildings, hence Senlis, Noyon, and St. Germain des Pres,
attempted to follow its lead.
Sens Cathedral however, with its considerable width and
height, established scale as a vital element in gothic design,
and prepared the way for the next generation of buildings –
buildings which in grandeur of conception surely earn the
moniker of High Gothic–notably Laon Cathedral in the Aisne
Valley and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
B) HIGH GOTHIC or CLASSIC GOTHIC (Circa 1200 ~1270)
The Gothic style spread from the Île-de-France region to
appear in other cities of northern France.
New structures in the style include:
o Chartres Cathedral (begun 1200)
o Bourges Cathedral (1195 to 1230)
o Reims Cathedral (1211 –1275)
o Amiens Cathedral (begun 1250)
This era century brought an increase in the scale of
buildings as shift in patronage become distinguishable as
they were flourishing as never before, characteristic Gothic
elements were refined to make the new cathedrals taller,
wider, and fuller of lights.
B) HIGH GOTHIC or CLASSIC GOTHIC
Chartres (Circa 1200 ~1270)
Cathedral
The Gothic style spread from the Île-de-France region to
appear in other cities of northern France.
New structures in the style include:
o Chartres Cathedral (begun 1200)
o Bourges Cathedral (1195 to 1230)
o Reims Cathedral (1211 –1275)
o Amiens Cathedral (begun 1250)
This era century brought an increase in the scale of
buildings as shift in patronage become distinguishable as
they were flourishing as never before, characteristic Gothic
elements were refined to make the new cathedrals taller,
wider, and fuller of lights.
B) HIGH GOTHIC or CLASSIC GOTHIC (Circa 1200 ~1270)
The Gothic style spread from the Île-de-France region to
Bourges Cathedral
appear in other cities of northern France.
New structures in the style include:
o Chartres Cathedral (begun 1200)
o Bourges Cathedral (1195 to 1230)
o Reims Cathedral (1211 –1275)
o Amiens Cathedral (begun 1250)
This era century brought an increase in the scale of
buildings as shift in patronage become distinguishable as
they were flourishing as never before, characteristic Gothic
elements were refined to make the new cathedrals taller,
wider, and fuller of lights.
B) HIGH GOTHIC or CLASSIC GOTHIC (Circa 1200 ~1270)
The Gothic style spread from the Île-de-France region to
appear in other cities of northern France.
New structures in the style include:
o Chartres Cathedral (begun 1200)
o Bourges Cathedral (1195 to 1230)
o Reims Cathedral (1211 –1275)
o Amiens Cathedral (begun 1250)
This era century brought an increase in the scale of
buildings as shift in patronage become distinguishable as
they were flourishing as never before, characteristic Gothic
elements were refined to make the new cathedrals taller,
wider, and fuller of lights.

Reims Cathedral
 Amiens Cathedral

B) HIGH GOTHIC or CLASSIC GOTHIC (Circa 1200 ~1270)

The Gothic style spread from the Île-de-France region to
appear in other cities of northern France.
New structures in the style include:
o Chartres Cathedral (begun 1200)
o Bourges Cathedral (1195 to 1230)
o Reims Cathedral (1211 –1275)
o Amiens Cathedral (begun 1250)
This era century brought an increase in the scale of
buildings as shift in patronage become distinguishable as
they were flourishing as never before, characteristic Gothic
elements were refined to make the new cathedrals taller,
wider, and fuller of lights.
B) HIGH GOTHIC or CLASSIC GOTHIC (Circa 1200 ~1270)
Buttresses were given greater weight and strength by the
addition of heavy stone pinnacles on top. These were often
decorated with statues of angels and became an important
decorative element of the High Gothic style.
Another practical and decorative element, the gargoyle,
appeared; it was an ornamental rain spout which channeled
the water from the roof away from the building
Bourges is perhaps the grandest of all medieval churches,
but Chartres Cathedral proved the more popular design,
providing the model for big cathedrals and followed almost
slavishly on ever increasing scale at Reims and Amiens.
B) HIGH GOTHIC or CLASSIC GOTHIC (Circa 1200 ~1270)
Buttresses were given greater weight and strength by the
addition of heavy stone pinnacles on top. These were often
decorated with statues of angels and became an important
decorative element of the High Gothic style.
Another practical and decorative element, the gargoyle,
appeared; it was an ornamental rain spout which channeled
the water from the roof away from the building
Bourges is perhaps the grandest of all medieval churches,
but Chartres Cathedral proved the more popular design,
providing the model for big cathedrals and followed almost
slavishly on ever increasing scale at Reims and Amiens.
B) HIGH GOTHIC or CLASSIC GOTHIC (Circa 1200 ~1270)
The Bourges tradition, however, gave rise to its own group
of ambitious buildings, notably Le Mans & Coutances
Cathedral, whereas the cathedral of Beauvais was a
conflation of both traditions.
Beauvais Cathedral was also the last of the monumental
High Gothic churches
Le
B)Mans
HIGHCathedral
GOTHIC or CLASSIC GOTHIC (Circa 1200 ~1270)
The Bourges tradition, however, gave rise to its own group
of ambitious buildings, notably Le Mans & Coutances
Cathedral, whereas the cathedral of Beauvais was a
conflation of both traditions.
Beauvais Cathedral was also the last of the monumental
High Gothic churches
 Coutances Cathedral
Le
B)Mans
HIGHCathedral
GOTHIC or CLASSIC GOTHIC (Circa 1200 ~1270)
The Bourges tradition, however, gave rise to its own group
of ambitious buildings, notably Le Mans & Coutances
Cathedral, whereas the cathedral of Beauvais was a
conflation of both traditions.
Beauvais Cathedral was also the last of the monumental
High Gothic churches
 Beauvais Cathedral
Coutances Cathedral
Le
B)Mans
HIGHCathedral
GOTHIC or CLASSIC GOTHIC (Circa 1200 ~1270)
The Bourges tradition, however, gave rise to its own group
of ambitious buildings, notably Le Mans & Coutances
Cathedral, whereas the cathedral of Beauvais was a
conflation of both traditions.
Beauvais Cathedral was also the last of the monumental
High Gothic churches
C) RAYONNANT GOTHIC (1270s ~ Mid-14th Century)
Taste is generally known as the Rayonnant style means
“Radiant”, describing the tendency toward the use of more
and more stained glass and less masonry in the design of the
structure, until the walls seemed entirely made of glass.
In the beginning of 14th Century, the massive High Gothic
Cathedrals became too expensive. At the same time, a new
shift in patronage became apparent. Partly on account of
economic stagnation, and as most wealthy towns now
possessed splendid new cathedrals.
The typical patron of the Rayonnant era was private, and
the archetypal Rayonnant buildings was palace chapel, like
Sainte Chapelle on Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye in
Yvelines, about 19 km west of Paris, France.
C) RAYONNANT GOTHIC (1270s ~ Mid-14th Century)
Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye is now the National
Museum of Archaeology in France
Note: Château means Castle in French
When the Capetian line failed in 1328, ushered to the
Hundred Years War in 1337, followed by disastrous harvest,
an ailing economy, and the Back Death in 1348, a vast
amount of building was necessary to replace damaged or
destroyed churches.
C) RAYONNANT GOTHIC (1270s ~ Mid-14th Century)
Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye is now the National
Museum of Archaeology in France
Note: Château means Castle in French
When the Capetian line failed in 1328, ushered to the
Hundred Years War in 1337, followed by disastrous harvest,
an ailing economy, and the Back Death in 1348, a vast
amount of building was necessary to replace damaged or
destroyed churches.
D) FLAMBOYANT GOTHIC (Mid-14th ~15th Century)
Appeared in the second half of the 14th century. Its
characteristic features were more exuberant decoration, as
the nobles and wealthy citizens of mostly northern French
cities competed to build more and more elaborate churches
and cathedrals.
Flamboyant took its name from the sinuous, flame-like
designs which ornamented windows.
Other new features included the arc en accolade, a window
decorated with an arch, stone pinnacles and floral sculpture.
The new style emerged owed its richly decorative repertory
of Tracery patterns.
In many ways, Flamboyant had a regional quality
reminiscent of Romanesque or early Gothic.
D) FLAMBOYANT GOTHIC (Mid-14th ~15th Century)
Appeared in the second half of the 14th century. Its
characteristic features were more exuberant decoration, as
the nobles and wealthy citizens of mostly northern French
cities competed to build more and more elaborate churches
and cathedrals.
Flamboyant took its name from the sinuous, flame-like
designs which ornamented windows.
Other new features included the arc en accolade, a window
decorated with an arch, stone pinnacles and floral sculpture.
The new style emerged owed its richly decorative repertory
of Tracery patterns.
In many ways, Flamboyant had a regional quality
reminiscent of Romanesque or early Gothic.
D) FLAMBOYANT GOTHIC (Mid-14th ~15th Century)
Appeared in the second half of the 14th century. Its
characteristic features were more exuberant decoration, as
the nobles and wealthy citizens of mostly northern French
cities competed to build more and more elaborate churches
and cathedrals.
Flamboyant took its name from the sinuous, flame-like
designs which ornamented windows.
Other new features included the arc en accolade, a window
decorated with an arch, stone pinnacles and floral sculpture.
The new style emerged owed its richly decorative repertory
of Tracery patterns.
In many ways, Flamboyant had a regional quality
reminiscent of Romanesque or early Gothic.
D) FLAMBOYANT GOTHIC (Mid-14th ~15th Century)
It also featured an increase in the number of nervures, or
ribs, that supported and decorated each vault of the ceiling,
both for greater support and decorative effect.
Notable examples of Flamboyant Gothic include the
western façade of Rouen Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle
de Vincennes in Paris, both built in the 1370s; and the Choir
of Mont Saint Michel Abbey (about 1448).
During this period, Paris did not play the major role in the
generation of Flamboyant that it had played in the Rayonnant.
It seems to have reflected the political situation France had,
after the Paris-centered government of 13th century, once
more disintegrated into great principalities.
Rouen Cathedral

D) FLAMBOYANT GOTHIC (Mid-14th ~15th Century)

It also featured an increase in the number of nervures, or
ribs, that supported and decorated each vault of the ceiling,
both for greater support and decorative effect.
Notable examples of Flamboyant Gothic include the
western façade of Rouen Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle
de Vincennes in Paris, both built in the 1370s; and the Choir
of Mont Saint Michel Abbey (about 1448).
During this period, Paris did not play the major role in the
generation of Flamboyant that it had played in the Rayonnant.
It seems to have reflected the political situation France had,
after the Paris-centered government of 13th century, once
more disintegrated into great principalities.
Rouen Cathedral

D) FLAMBOYANT GOTHIC
Sainte-Chapelle (Mid-14th ~15th Century)
de Vincennes
It also featured an increase in the number of nervures, or
ribs, that supported and decorated each vault of the ceiling,
both for greater support and decorative effect.
Notable examples of Flamboyant Gothic include the
western façade of Rouen Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle
de Vincennes in Paris, both built in the 1370s; and the Choir
of Mont Saint Michel Abbey (about 1448).
During this period, Paris did not play the major role in the
generation of Flamboyant that it had played in the Rayonnant.
It seems to have reflected the political situation France had,
after the Paris-centered government of 13th century, once
more disintegrated into great principalities.
Rouen Cathedral

D) FLAMBOYANT GOTHIC
Sainte-Chapelle (Mid-14th ~15th Century)
de Vincennes
It also featured an increase in the number of nervures, or
Choir that
ribs, of Mont Saint Michel
supported andAbbey
decorated each vault of the ceiling,
both for greater support and decorative effect.
Notable examples of Flamboyant Gothic include the
western façade of Rouen Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle
de Vincennes in Paris, both built in the 1370s; and the Choir
of Mont Saint Michel Abbey (about 1448).
During this period, Paris did not play the major role in the
generation of Flamboyant that it had played in the Rayonnant.
It seems to have reflected the political situation France had,
after the Paris-centered government of 13th century, once
more disintegrated into great principalities.
E) LATE GOTHIC (Mid-15th Century ~ 16th Century)
Beginning in the 1530s, the style of French religious and
civil architecture also began to show the influence of the
Italian Renaissance. Charles VIII of France and Louis XII
of France had both participated in military campaigns in Italy
and had seen the new architecture there.
Large numbers of Italian stonemasons had also come to
Paris to work on the new Pont Notre-Dame (1507–1512) and
other construction sites. This concludes to shift of Trend on
architectural styles from Gothic to Renaissance.
E) LATE GOTHIC (Mid-15th Century ~ 16th Century)
Beginning in the 1530s, the style of French religious and
civil architecture also began to show the influence of the
Italian Renaissance. Charles VIII of France and Louis XII
of France had both participated in military campaigns in Italy
and had seen the new architecture there.
Large numbers of Italian stonemasons had also come to
Paris to work on the new Pont Notre-Dame (1507–1512) and
other construction sites. This concludes to shift of Trend on
architectural styles from Gothic to Renaissance.
E) LATE GOTHIC (Mid-15th Century ~ 16th Century)
In spite of all the unrest and depredations, France
remained fundamentally the best enriched of all European
countries, and by the end of 15th Century, it was possible to
build once again on a scale reminiscent of High Gothic, with
an emphasis on such grand architectural effects as spacious
plans and giant orders, culminating at St. Eustache in Paris.
 NOTABLE CHURCHES ON ILE DE FRANCE REGION
1) Abbey Church of St. Denis
Completed in 1144
Now a Basilica, Abbey Church of St Denis ranks as an
architectural landmark— as the first major structure of which
a substantial part was designed and built in the Gothic style.
2) Sens Cathedral, Burgundy, E. France
Completed in 1534
Sens was the first Cathedral to be built in the Gothic
architectural style (the Basilica of Saint Denis, the other
pioneer Gothic building built at about the same time, was an
Abbey, not a cathedral).
 NOTABLE CHURCHES ON ILE DE FRANCE REGION
1) Abbey Church of St. Denis
Completed in 1144
Now a Basilica, Abbey Church of St Denis ranks as an
architectural landmark— as the first major structure of which
a substantial part was designed and built in the Gothic style.
2) Sens Cathedral, Burgundy, E. France
Completed in 1534
Sens was the first Cathedral to be built in the Gothic
architectural style (the Basilica of Saint Denis, the other
pioneer Gothic building built at about the same time, was an
Abbey, not a cathedral).
 NOTABLE CHURCHES ON ILE DE FRANCE REGION
1) Abbey Church of St. Denis
Completed in 1144
Now a Basilica, Abbey Church of St Denis ranks as an
architectural landmark— as the first major structure of which
a substantial part was designed and built in the Gothic style.
2) Sens Cathedral, Burgundy, E. France
Completed in 1534
Sens was the first Cathedral to be built in the Gothic
architectural style (the Basilica of Saint Denis, the other
pioneer Gothic building built at about the same time, was an
Abbey, not a cathedral).
 NOTABLE CHURCHES ON ILE DE FRANCE REGION
3) Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris
Begun by Bishop Maurice de Sully around 1163, the west
towers were the last to be completed in 1250. The original
plan comprised double aisles and ambulatories and was on
bent axial line. The transepts, as so often in the Paris region,
did not project beyond the aisle wall.
The interior elevation was originally of 4 levels, with an
arcade of columnar piers; a tribune, originally covered with
transverse barrel vaults, and lit by round windows; decorative
oculi opening into the tribune roof spaces; and small
clerestory windows.
 NOTABLE CHURCHES ON ILE DE FRANCE REGION
3) Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris
Begun by Bishop Maurice de Sully around 1163, the west
towers were the last to be completed in 1250. The original
plan comprised double aisles and ambulatories and was on
bent axial line. The transepts, as so often in the Paris region,
did not project beyond the aisle wall.
The interior elevation was originally of 4 levels, with an
arcade of columnar piers; a tribune, originally covered with
transverse barrel vaults, and lit by round windows; decorative
oculi opening into the tribune roof spaces; and small
clerestory windows.
 NOTABLE CHURCHES ON ILE DE FRANCE REGION
4) Soissons Cathedral, Soissons, France
Groundbreaking 1177, completed at 1479
Formally known as Cathédrale Saint Gervais-et-Saint
Protais
The earliest part of the said cathedral is the south transept,
which was finished by 1190. The rest of the cathedral, built to
a very different design, was completed in 1300. The
difference between the south transept and the rest of the
church is striking and shows the speed with which
architecture was developing at the end of 12th century.
 NOTABLE CHURCHES ON ILE DE FRANCE REGION
4) Soissons Cathedral, Soissons, France
Groundbreaking 1177, completed at 1479
Formally known as Cathédrale Saint Gervais-et-Saint
Protais
The earliest part of the said cathedral is the south transept,
which was finished by 1190. The rest of the cathedral, built to
a very different design, was completed in 1300. The
difference between the south transept and the rest of the
church is striking and shows the speed with which
architecture was developing at the end of 12th century.
 NOTABLE CHURCHES ON ILE DE FRANCE REGION
5) Chartres Cathedral, Chartres, France
Formally known as Cathédrale Notre Dame de Chartres
Rebuilt after a fire in 1194, incorporating substantial
remains of the previous church.
6) Bourges Cathedral, Bourges, France
Formally known as Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Bourges.
The rebuilding of the Romanesque Cathedral was begun
by bishop Henri de Sully around 1190, progressed from east
to west.
 NOTABLE CHURCHES ON ILE DE FRANCE REGION
5) Chartres Cathedral, Chartres, France
Formally known as Cathédrale Notre Dame de Chartres
Rebuilt after a fire in 1194, incorporating substantial
remains of the previous church.
6) Bourges Cathedral, Bourges, France
Formally known as Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Bourges.
The rebuilding of the Romanesque Cathedral was begun
by bishop Henri de Sully around 1190, progressed from east
to west.
 NOTABLE CHURCHES ON ILE DE FRANCE REGION
5) Chartres Cathedral, Chartres, France
Formally known as Cathédrale Notre Dame de Chartres
Rebuilt after a fire in 1194, incorporating substantial
remains of the previous church.
6) Bourges Cathedral, Bourges, France
Formally known as Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Bourges.
The rebuilding of the Romanesque Cathedral was begun
by bishop Henri de Sully around 1190, progressed from east
to west.
 NOTABLE CHURCHES ON ILE DE FRANCE REGION
7) Reims Cathedral, Reims, France
Groundbreaking 1211, completed 1275
Also called Notre-Dame de Reims
Begun in 1211, and construction and embellishment
continued throughout most of the 13th century. The building
history is complex, and still the subject of controversy, but
construction proceeded from east to west, reaching the west
front around 1260.
 NOTABLE CHURCHES ON ILE DE FRANCE REGION
7) Reims Cathedral, Reims, France
Groundbreaking 1211, completed 1275
Also called Notre-Dame de Reims
Begun in 1211, and construction and embellishment
continued throughout most of the 13th century. The building
history is complex, and still the subject of controversy, but
construction proceeded from east to west, reaching the west
front around 1260.
 NOTABLE CHURCHES ON ILE DE FRANCE REGION
8) Amiens Cathedral, Amiens, France
Formally called Basilique Cathédrale NotreDame d'Amiens.
The lack of documentation concerning the construction of the
Gothic cathedral may be in part the result of fires that
destroyed the chapter archives in 1218 and again in 1258—a
fire that damaged the cathedral itself.
9) Beauvais Cathedral, Beauvais, France (Bow-Vay)
Groundbreaking 1225 and never completed.
Called as Cathedral of Saint Peter of Beauvais. Work was
begun in 1220, in 1225 under count-bishop Milo of Nanteuil,
received funding from his family
 NOTABLE CHURCHES ON ILE DE FRANCE REGION
8) Amiens Cathedral, Amiens, France
Formally called Basilique Cathédrale NotreDame d'Amiens.
The lack of documentation concerning the construction of the
Gothic cathedral may be in part the result of fires that
destroyed the chapter archives in 1218 and again in 1258—a
fire that damaged the cathedral itself.
9) Beauvais Cathedral, Beauvais, France
Groundbreaking 1225 and never completed.
Called as Cathedral of Saint Peter of Beauvais. Work was
begun in 1220, in 1225 under count-bishop Milo of Nanteuil,
received funding from his family
 NOTABLE CHURCHES ON ILE DE FRANCE REGION
8) Amiens Cathedral, Amiens, France
Formally called Basilique Cathédrale NotreDame d'Amiens.
The lack of documentation concerning the construction of the
Gothic cathedral may be in part the result of fires that
destroyed the chapter archives in 1218 and again in 1258—a
fire that damaged the cathedral itself.
9) Beauvais Cathedral, Beauvais, France
Groundbreaking 1225 and never completed.
Called as Cathedral of Saint Peter of Beauvais. Work was
begun in 1220, in 1225 under count-bishop Milo of Nanteuil,
received funding from his family
 Secular Building in France during Gothic Period
1) Chateau - is a manor house or residence of the lord of the
manor or a country house of nobility or gentry, with or
without fortifications, originally— and still most
frequently—in French-speaking regions.
Samples:
A. Chateau Gaillard (built between 1196 and 1198/Now in
Ruins) by Richard I of England.
To protect Normandy from the Capetian Dynasty, was
probably the finest castle in France, designed with great
subtlety to avoid areas of dead ground around a massive
keep.
 Secular Building in France during Gothic Period
1) Chateau - is a manor house or residence of the lord of the
manor or a country house of nobility or gentry, with or
without fortifications, originally— and still most
frequently—in French-speaking regions.
Samples:
A. Chateau Gaillard (built between 1196 and 1198/Now in
Ruins) by Richard I of England.
To protect Normandy from the Capetian Dynasty, was
probably the finest castle in France, designed with great
subtlety to avoid areas of dead ground around a massive
keep.
 Secular Building in France during Gothic Period
1) Chateau - is a manor house or residence of the lord of the
manor or a country house of nobility or gentry, with or
without fortifications, originally— and still most
frequently—in French-speaking regions.
Samples:
A. Chateau Gaillard (built between 1196 and 1198/Now in
Ruins) by Richard I of England.
To protect Normandy from the Capetian Dynasty, was
probably the finest castle in France, designed with great
subtlety to avoid areas of dead ground around a massive
keep.
 Secular Building in France during Gothic Period
B. Carcassonne Castle (built between 1240-1285)
Its citadel, known as the Cité de Carcassonne, is a
medieval fortress dating back to the GalloRoman period and
restored by the theorist and architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in
1853.
It was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in
1997.
 Secular Building in France during Gothic Period
B. Carcassonne Castle (built between 1240-1285)
Its citadel, known as the Cité de Carcassonne, is a
medieval fortress dating back to the GalloRoman period and
restored by the theorist and architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in
1853.
It was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in
1997.
 Secular Building in France during Gothic Period
2) Hotel de Ville - few Hotels de Ville exist as there was little
municipal life under the feudal system.
Samples:
A. Hotel de Ville, Arras
has a fine arcade at street level and a giant, 76 m (250 ft)
high belfry.
B. Hotel de Ville, Compiegne
was damaged in the 1914-18 war and has been restored.
 Secular Building in France during Gothic Period
2) Hotel de Ville - few Hotels de Ville exist as there was little
municipal life under the feudal system.
Samples:
A. Hotel de Ville, Arras
has a fine arcade at street level and a giant, 76 m (250 ft)
high belfry.
B. Hotel de Ville, Compiegne
was damaged in the 1914-18 war and has been restored.
 Secular Building in France during Gothic Period
2) Hotel de Ville - few Hotels de Ville exist as there was little
municipal life under the feudal system.
Samples:
A. Hotel de Ville, Arras
has a fine arcade at street level and a giant, 76 m (250 ft)
high belfry.
B. Hotel de Ville, Compiegne
was damaged in the 1914-18 war and has been restored.
 Secular Building in France during Gothic Period
3) Country Houses in France - Houses took the place of
fortified castles, though they were still called ‘chateaux’. They
are both stately mansions rather than castles.
Samples:
A. Chateau de Blois
The Gothic spiral staircase of Louis XII was probably the
model for the marvelous staircase of Francis I of the early
Renaissance period.
 Secular Building in France during Gothic Period
3) Country Houses in France - Houses took the place of
fortified castles, though they were still called ‘chateaux’. They
are both stately mansions rather than castles.
Samples:
A. Chateau de Blois
The Gothic spiral staircase of Louis XII was probably the
model for the marvelous staircase of Francis I of the early
Renaissance period.
 Secular Building in France during Gothic Period
4) Town Houses in France Houses -The ‘maisons nobles’
begun to rise in the fifteenth century when French nobles
ceased to be feudal lords in fortified castles, and erected
houses, known to this day as ‘hotels’, planned, as in the
country, round a court and with an elaborate façade to the
street.
Samples:
A. Hotel de Jacques Coeur, Bourges
constructed in the Flamboyant Gothic Style.
undoubtedly among the finest mediaeval town houses in
France.
It was built by a merchant prince, partly on the town
ramparts, round a central court and has seven turret stairs.
 Secular Building in France during Gothic Period
4) Town Houses in France Houses -The ‘maisons nobles’
begun to rise in the fifteenth century when French nobles
ceased to be feudal lords in fortified castles, and erected
houses, known to this day as ‘hotels’, planned, as in the
country, round a court and with an elaborate façade to the
street.
Samples:
A. Hotel de Jacques Coeur, Bourges
constructed in the Flamboyant Gothic Style.
undoubtedly among the finest mediaeval town houses in
France.
It was built by a merchant prince, partly on the town
ramparts, round a central court and has seven turret stairs.
AMIENS CATHEDRAL
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AMIENS CATHEDRAL
AMIENS CATHEDRAL
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GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE IN ENGLAND

I. ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
As with the Gothic architecture of France, English Gothic is
defined by its pointed arches, vaulted roofs, buttresses, large
windows, and spires. The earliest large-scale applications of
Gothic architecture in England are at Canterbury Cathedral
and Westminster Abbey.
Many features of Gothic architecture had evolved naturally
from Romanesque architecture (often known in England as
Norman architecture). This evolution can be seen most
particularly at the Norman Durham Cathedral, which has the
earliest pointed ribbed high vault known.
GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE IN ENGLAND

I. ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
English Gothic was to develop along lines that sometimes
paralleled and sometimes diverged from those of continental
Europe. Historians traditionally divide English Gothic into
several different periods.
Many of the largest and finest works of English
architecture, notably the medieval cathedrals of England, are
largely built in the Gothic style. So also, are castles, palaces,
great houses, universities, and many smaller unpretentious
secular buildings, including almshouses and trade halls.
A) EARLY ENGLISH GOTHIC

The First of 3 phases of English Gothic, from the late 12th

through the 13th Centuries.
Characterized by the Lancet Windows and Plate Tracery
B) DECORATED GOTHIC

The 2nd of the 3 phases of English Gothic, from the late

13th through
the late 14th Centuries.
Characterized by Rich Tracery, Elaborate ornamental
vaulting, and
refinement of stonecutting techniques.
C) PERPENDICULAR or RECTILINEAR GOTHIC

The final phase of English Gothic architecture, prevailing

from the late 14th through the early 16th Centuries.
Characterized by Perpendicular tracery, fine intricate
stonework, and elaborate fan vaults. Also called rectilinear
style.
PART OF GOTHIC CATHEDRAL
1. Louver Board
2. Bell Tower
3. Rose Window
4. Tracery
5. Stained Glass
6. Gallery
7. Spire
8. Belfry
9. Flying Buttress
10.Gable
11.Trefoil
12.Order
13.Lintel
14.Splay
15.Pier
16.Portal
17.Tympanum
PART OF GOTHIC CATHEDRAL
1. Louver Board
2. Bell Tower
3. Rose Window
4. Tracery
5. Stained Glass
6. Gallery
7. Spire
8. Belfry
9. Flying Buttress
10.Gable
11.Trefoil
12.Order
13.Lintel
14.Splay
15.Pier
16.Portal
17.Tympanum
PART OF GOTHIC CATHEDRAL
1. Louver Board
2. Bell Tower
3. Rose Window
4. Tracery
5. Stained Glass
6. Gallery
7. Spire
8. Belfry
9. Flying Buttress
10.Gable
11.Trefoil
12.Order
13.Lintel
14.Splay
15.Pier
16.Portal
17.Tympanum
PART OF GOTHIC CATHEDRAL
1. Louver Board
2. Bell Tower
3. Rose Window
4. Tracery
5. Stained Glass
6. Gallery
7. Spire
8. Belfry
9. Flying Buttress
10.Gable
11.Trefoil
12.Order
13.Lintel
14.Splay
15.Pier
16.Portal
17.Tympanum
PART OF GOTHIC CATHEDRAL
1. Louver Board
2. Bell Tower
3. Rose Window
4. Tracery
5. Stained Glass
6. Gallery
7. Spire
8. Belfry
9. Flying Buttress
10.Gable
11.Trefoil
12.Order
13.Lintel
14.Splay
15.Pier
16.Portal
17.Tympanum
PART OF GOTHIC CATHEDRAL
1. Louver Board
2. Bell Tower
3. Rose Window
4. Tracery
5. Stained Glass
6. Gallery
7. Spire
8. Belfry
9. Flying Buttress
10.Gable
11.Trefoil
12.Order
13.Lintel
14.Splay
15.Pier
16.Portal
17.Tympanum
PART OF GOTHIC CATHEDRAL
1. Louver Board
2. Bell Tower
3. Rose Window
4. Tracery
5. Stained Glass
6. Gallery
7. Spire
8. Belfry
9. Flying Buttress
10.Gable
11.Trefoil
12.Order
13.Lintel
14.Splay
15.Pier
16.Portal
17.Tympanum
PART OF GOTHIC CATHEDRAL
1. Louver Board
2. Bell Tower
3. Rose Window
4. Tracery
5. Stained Glass
6. Gallery
7. Spire
8. Belfry
9. Flying Buttress
10.Gable
11.Trefoil
12.Order
13.Lintel
14.Splay
15.Pier
16.Portal
17.Tympanum
PART OF GOTHIC CATHEDRAL
1. Louver Board
2. Bell Tower
3. Rose Window
4. Tracery
5. Stained Glass
6. Gallery
7. Spire
8. Belfry
9. Flying Buttress
10.Gable
11.Trefoil
12.Order
13.Lintel
14.Splay
15.Pier
16.Portal
17.Tympanum
PART OF GOTHIC CATHEDRAL
1. Louver Board
2. Bell Tower
3. Rose Window
4. Tracery
5. Stained Glass
6. Gallery
7. Spire
8. Belfry
9. Flying Buttress
10.Gable
11.Trefoil
12.Order
13.Lintel
14.Splay
15.Pier
16.Portal
17.Tympanum
PART OF GOTHIC CATHEDRAL
1. Louver Board
2. Bell Tower
3. Rose Window
4. Tracery
5. Stained Glass
6. Gallery
7. Spire
8. Belfry
9. Flying Buttress
10.Gable
11.Trefoil
12.Order
13.Lintel
14.Splay
15.Pier
16.Portal
17.Tympanum
PART OF GOTHIC CATHEDRAL
1. Louver Board
2. Bell Tower
3. Rose Window
4. Tracery
5. Stained Glass
6. Gallery
7. Spire
8. Belfry
9. Flying Buttress
10.Gable
11.Trefoil
12.Order
13.Lintel
14.Splay
15.Pier
16.Portal
17.Tympanum
PART OF GOTHIC CATHEDRAL
1. Louver Board
2. Bell Tower
3. Rose Window
4. Tracery
5. Stained Glass
6. Gallery
7. Spire
8. Belfry
9. Flying Buttress
10.Gable
11.Trefoil
12.Order
13.Lintel
14.Splay
15.Pier
16.Portal
17.Tympanum
PART OF GOTHIC CATHEDRAL
1. Louver Board
2. Bell Tower
3. Rose Window
4. Tracery
5. Stained Glass
6. Gallery
7. Spire
8. Belfry
9. Flying Buttress
10.Gable
11.Trefoil
12.Order
13.Lintel
14.Splay
15.Pier
16.Portal
17.Tympanum
PART OF GOTHIC CATHEDRAL
1. Louver Board
2. Bell Tower
3. Rose Window
4. Tracery
5. Stained Glass
6. Gallery
7. Spire
8. Belfry
9. Flying Buttress
10.Gable
11.Trefoil
12.Order
13.Lintel
14.Splay
15.Pier
16.Portal
17.Tympanum
PART OF GOTHIC CATHEDRAL
1. Louver Board
2. Bell Tower
3. Rose Window
4. Tracery
5. Stained Glass
6. Gallery
7. Spire
8. Belfry
9. Flying Buttress
10.Gable
11.Trefoil
12.Order
13.Lintel
14.Splay
15.Pier
16.Portal
17.Tympanum
PART OF GOTHIC CATHEDRAL
1. Louver Board
2. Bell Tower
3. Rose Window
4. Tracery
5. Stained Glass
6. Gallery
7. Spire
8. Belfry
9. Flying Buttress
10.Gable
11.Trefoil
12.Order
13.Lintel
14.Splay
15.Pier
16.Portal
17.Tympanum
PART OF GOTHIC CATHEDRAL
1. Louver Board
2. Bell Tower
3. Rose Window
4. Tracery
5. Stained Glass
6. Gallery
7. Spire
8. Belfry
9. Flying Buttress
10.Gable
11.Trefoil
12.Order
13.Lintel
14.Splay
15.Pier
16.Portal
17.Tympanum
END
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