Introduction

England’s gothic cathedrals are among the most beautiful buildings in the

world. Gothic cathedrals were built in England between 1100 and roughly

1500. These buildings were commissioned by wealthy patrons and built by

skilled masons, carpenters and other craftsmen. They serve not only the elite of

society but all who wished to worship there. English cathedrals are found

around the country in towns and cities like York, London, Salisbury, and

Canterbury. These magnificent buildings serve as both seats of power for the

Anglican church and places of cultural significance. Today, they face the decay

from hundreds of years of pollution and human interaction and must be

preserved for generations to come.

The Artists

Master builders designed and oversaw construction of Gothic cathedrals in

England. These men were not only architects; they also supervised the

construction and worked directly with their fellow artists to complete their

visions. Master artists also played a major role. These men were highly trained,

usually by guilds, in their fields. They included structural and artistic masons,

those who constructed stained-glass panels, carpenters, and many others.

Laborers were also important in the building process; they were either of the

peasantry or apprentices working on the cathedrals and helped other artists

realize their visions. All together, the artistry put into the construction of Gothic

cathedrals leaves us with an interesting blend of styles and motifs.

History of the Art Form

Gothic architecture traces its linage to the European continent and its

Romanesque predecessor. Romanesque architecture was the blending of

Roman-style architecture with local traditions and was slightly less ornate

than gothic architecture. Typically, the buildings were large with thick walls,

arches, columns and early versions of vaulted ceilings. Many of these aspects

were adapted and improved on in gothic architecture. The Ile-de-France

region of France is where the first gothic cathedrals were built. The style was

brought to England when the Normans invaded in 1066 and rose to

prominence by the early 1100s.

The Gothic Cathedrals of England and Their

Cultural Significance

Adam Carman AN137H Honors Art, Culture, and the Museum

Cultural History and Context

Gothic cathedrals were constructed from approximately 1100-1500. During this

time period four families ruled over an ever-changing society. Medieval

England was a society with a strict social hierarchy. The landed aristocracy,

including Dukes, Earls and Royalty, were the most prominent individuals at

the top of society. In what we consider the middle class were merchants and

craftsmen. The lowest class included the commoner and peasantry who were

frequently locked in the feudal system. The major institution that dominated

life in England, and Europe was the Catholic (and later the Anglican) church.

The gothic cathedrals built during the Medieval period reflect the everchanging

society that constructed them.

Interesting FactMany of the workers and parishioners that were involved with England’s cathedrals

have never had their stories recorded because of an elitist trend in scholarship. Now,

with historians and scholars seeking to write a more inclusive record these common

citizens stories are being sought out. Because little was written on them this is

difficult; luckily, many of them left their mark on the walls and original wooden

structures of the cathedrals through small graffiti carvings. These carvings are found

around the country and are providing scholars with a myriad of new information on the

people who visited and worked on the cathedrals.

Materials and Technology

Gothic cathedrals are predominately stone structures. However other

materials like stained-glass, wood, and precious metals and stones were used

as well. Masons, carpenters and other craftsmen worked from hand made

apparatuses with simple tools to construct these massive buildings. For the

most part, all aspects of the cathedrals were built, or crafted on site. The

buildings are made up of thick walls with a system of overlapping arches and

columns supporting high vaulted ceilings. Because of the massive scale of the

building's architects needed to think creatively when designing the structural

elements of the buildings. To combat the immense spaces, and weight of the

cathedrals designers developed a system of flying buttresses to support the

huge structures.

Current Status

Today England’s gothic cathedrals serve two main purposes. The first is that of a

functioning church. Many of the cathedrals build in the medieval period are still

the seats of powerful Anglican bishops today and continue to serve as places of

worship. The Cathedrals also serve as museums that showcase the wonders of

medieval gothic cathedrals as well as the society that constructed them. Some

even hold important documents, like the Magna Carta (1215) at Salisbury. The

cathedrals serve millions of visitors from around the globe and need constant

upkeep. In many cases massive restorations have taken place to repair years of wear and tear from constant usage, age, and pollution.

Canterbury Cathedral

Ely Cathedral Lincoln Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral

Seal Of William the Conqueror

Map of Medieval England

The Murder of Sir Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral

Internal Vaulted Ceilings, Overlapping Arches, and Column Work at Canterbury Cathedral Stained Glass Work York Minster

Recreation of Medieval Stone Masons Cutting Wall Blocks Stone Sculpture Around the Main Entrance of Ely Cathedral

Magna Carta Exhibit at Salisbury Cathedral External Restoration Efforts at Canterbury Cathedral Showing Scaffolding

English Romanesque Architecture: Wilton Church

Map of the Ile-De-France Region of France

Ile-De-France Gothic Architecture: Basilique Saint-Denis

Graffiti in Canterbury Cathedral Possibly a Guild Mark Graffiti in Canterbury Cathedral Possibly Depicts a Family