An aerial view of a German Benedictine Monastery compound. A small town is nestled at the foot of a hill in the background. The monastery includes a ditch surrounding the outer wall, stables, gardens, graveyard, workshops, church, cloister, living quarters, and various other buildings. It is pictured as it would have looked at the end of the Middle Ages.

A German Benedictine Monastery with a Small Town in the Background - Aerial View

An aerial view of a German Benedictine Monastery compound. A small town is nestled at the foot of a…

"A sounding-board over a pulpit or rostrum, designed to reflect the speaker's voice downward toward the audience, or in any desired direction."-Wright, 1902

Abat-voix

"A sounding-board over a pulpit or rostrum, designed to reflect the speaker's voice downward toward…

"Any lateral division of any part of a church, whether nave, choir or transept. The number of aisles varies in the churches of different countries." — Chambers' Encyclopedia, 1875

Aisle

"Any lateral division of any part of a church, whether nave, choir or transept. The number of aisles…

The Battle of the Alamo was fought in February and March 1836 in San Antonio, Texas. The conflict, a part of the Texas Revolution, was the first step in Mexican President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's attempt to retake the province of Texas after an insurgent army of Texian settlers and adventurers from the United States had driven out all Mexican troops the previous year. Mexican forces began a siege of the Texian forces garrisoned at the Alamo Mission on Tuesday, February 23. For the next twelve days, Mexican cannons advanced slowly to positions nearer the Alamo walls, while Texian soldiers worked to improve their defenses.

The Alamo

The Battle of the Alamo was fought in February and March 1836 in San Antonio, Texas. The conflict, a…

All Saints Cathedral at Albany.

All Saints Cathedral

All Saints Cathedral at Albany.

Jacques Coeur being publicly punished in France in 1453. "A part of the Amende Honorable of Jacques Coeur before Charles VII of France." -Bodmer, 1917

Amende Honorable of Jacques Coeur

Jacques Coeur being publicly punished in France in 1453. "A part of the Amende Honorable of Jacques…

St. John, antigua, from the foreground of the Scotch Church.

Antigua

St. John, antigua, from the foreground of the Scotch Church.

An engraving from the block book, Apocalypsis Sancti Johannis, one of the earliest block books.

Apocalypsis Sancti Johannis

An engraving from the block book, Apocalypsis Sancti Johannis, one of the earliest block books.

"A semicircular recess usually placed at the east end of the choir or chancel of a romanesque, or what is commonly called in England an Anglo-Saxon or Anglo-Norman church." — Chambers' Encyclopedia, 1875

Apse

"A semicircular recess usually placed at the east end of the choir or chancel of a romanesque, or what…

An illustration depicting the inside of an apse. In architecture, the apse (Latin absis "arch, vault"; sometimes written apsis; plural apses) is a semicircular recess covered with a hemispherical vault. In Romanesque, Byzantine and Gothic Christian abbey, cathedral and church architecture, the term is applied to the semi-circular or polygonal section of the sanctuary at the liturgical east end beyond the altar. Geometrically speaking, an apse is either a half-cone or half-dome.

Apse of a Cathedral

An illustration depicting the inside of an apse. In architecture, the apse (Latin absis "arch, vault";…

"Ambo in the Ara Coeli." — Young, 1901

Ambo in the Ara Coeli

"Ambo in the Ara Coeli." — Young, 1901

This Italian Renaissance Architectural frame was used as the panel of stalls in San Giorgio Maggiore, a church in Venice, Italy. The frame has an oblong shape, surrounded by an ornate design which is symmetrical on all sides, without regard to top and bottom.

Italian Renaissance Architectural Frame

This Italian Renaissance Architectural frame was used as the panel of stalls in San Giorgio Maggiore,…

This painting by Harry Quilter, the author of the book, is of the city of Assisi in Italy

Assisi

This painting by Harry Quilter, the author of the book, is of the city of Assisi in Italy

The wood baluster is an Italian Renaissance design that is found as stalls in the St. Maria Novella church in Florence, Italy.

Wood Baluster

The wood baluster is an Italian Renaissance design that is found as stalls in the St. Maria Novella…

"A name given sometimes to a seperate building, sometimes to the portion of the church itself in which the ceremony of baptism was performed. In the latter case, the Baptistery was merely the enclosure containing the font, to be seen in most English churches. According to the earlier arrangements of the Christian Church, however, the Baptistery seems usually to have been a building standing detached from, though in the immediate vicinity of the church to which it appertained." — Chambers' Encyclopedia, 1875

Baptistery

"A name given sometimes to a seperate building, sometimes to the portion of the church itself in which…

An illustration of the Baptistery at Pisa.

Baptistery at Pisa

An illustration of the Baptistery at Pisa.

"Tower of Earl's Barton Church, Northhamptonshire." —D'Anvers, 1895

Tower of Barton Church

"Tower of Earl's Barton Church, Northhamptonshire." —D'Anvers, 1895

The St. Peter's Basilica is located within the Vatican city in Rome, Italy. This drawing shows the architecture of the front of the church. It was built in 1626 in a Renaissance and Baroque style. The church was named after one of Jesus's twelve disciples, Simon known as Peter.

St. Peter's Basilica

The St. Peter's Basilica is located within the Vatican city in Rome, Italy. This drawing shows the architecture…

Used in most religions to collect money for the religious center or the poor. This alms basin is used in a church and is made out of wood.

Alms Basin

Used in most religions to collect money for the religious center or the poor. This alms basin is used…

Used in most religions to collect money for the religious center or the poor. This alms basin is used in a church and is made out of wood.

Alms Basin

Used in most religions to collect money for the religious center or the poor. This alms basin is used…

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas A. Becket, did not think it was right to consent to a law that said if a priest or monk was thought to have committed any crime, he should be tried by a king's judge, instead of the bishop, and though he and the king had once been great friends, King Henry II was so angry with him that he was forced to leave England, and take shelter with the King of France.

Thomas A-Becket

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas A. Becket, did not think it was right to consent to a law that…

This painting is by Giotto. It is fresco with many different levels. It can be found in the Peruzzi Chapel of Santa Croce in Florence, Italy.

The Daughter of Herodias Dancing Before Herod

This painting is by Giotto. It is fresco with many different levels. It can be found in the Peruzzi…

Early English style. Northwest transept of Beverly Minster.

Beverly Minster

Early English style. Northwest transept of Beverly Minster.

View of a village in the Schwartzwald, or Black Forest. The Black Forest stands in the elbow formed by the Rhine river in its course from Schaffhausen to Basle, and from Basle to Mannheim. It is bounded by the plain that borders the river The Neckar River bounds it on the north, while on the east it is limited by the upper part of the same river, and by an imaginary line drawn from the source of the Neckar to Schaffhausen. The Black Forest owes its gloomy name to the dark aspect of its peaks and slopes which is shadowed by pine-trees. On the brightest day the forest's trees still retain their shadow.

Black Forest Village

View of a village in the Schwartzwald, or Black Forest. The Black Forest stands in the elbow formed…

Circular and polygonal plans appear in a number of Syrian examples of the early sixth century. Their most striking feature is the inscribing of the circle of polygon in a square which forms the exterior outline, and the use of four niches to fill out the corners. This occurs at Kelat Seman, a small double church, perhaps the tomb and chapel of a martyr; in the cathedral at Bozrah, and in the small domical church of St. George at Ezra. These were probably the prototypes of many Byzantine churches like St. Sergius at Constantinople, and San Vitale at Ravenna.

Cathedral at Bosra

Circular and polygonal plans appear in a number of Syrian examples of the early sixth century. Their…

In Gothic architecture, a lantern tower is frequently placed over the center of cross churches, and the light admitted by windows in the sides. This illustration shows the lantern tower at St. Botolph's Church in Boston, Lincolnshire, England.

Lantern Tower at St. Botolph's; Boston, Lincolnshire

In Gothic architecture, a lantern tower is frequently placed over the center of cross churches, and…

This picture depicts a group of people attending church. Below the illustration is a children's poem titled 'Thoughts in Church".

Boy in church

This picture depicts a group of people attending church. Below the illustration is a children's poem…

Bracket, Harlestone Church, Northamptonshire

Bracket

Bracket, Harlestone Church, Northamptonshire

The Church of England parish church of St Michael was built in 1293, supposedly to replace a Saxon church at Water Oakley. It has a number of sculptures which may have come from th earlier church, including a damaged Sheela na Gig. It is best known to brass rubbers for housing the superb memorial brass of 1378 to Sir John Foxley, the Constable of Southampton Castle, and his two wives. One of the local cottages has a tunnel which it is believed leads to the church and served as an escape route for clergymen.

Bray Church, Near Maidenhead, Berks

The Church of England parish church of St Michael was built in 1293, supposedly to replace a Saxon church…

Site of the Shrine of St. Thomas, Canterbury Cathedral.

St. Thomas Shrine

Site of the Shrine of St. Thomas, Canterbury Cathedral.

Canterbury Cathedral.

Norman Crypt

Canterbury Cathedral.

Aproach to Canterbury Cathedral.

Mercury Lane

Aproach to Canterbury Cathedral.

Baptistry at Canterbury Cathedral.

Baptistry

Baptistry at Canterbury Cathedral.

Transept of the Martyrdom at Canterbury Cathedral.

Transept of the Martyrdom

Transept of the Martyrdom at Canterbury Cathedral.

Martyrdom of St. Thomas at Canterbury Cathedral.

Martyrdom of St. Thomas

Martyrdom of St. Thomas at Canterbury Cathedral.

Chapter House and Angel Tower, Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral

Chapter House and Angel Tower, Canterbury Cathedral

"Canterbury Cathedral, which was a key place during the contest with King John. In the quarrel with John of England the issue was not a matter of personal morality, but of Church authority. There was a dispute about the election to the Archbishopric of Canterbury, the most important church office in England. The monks of Canterbury chose one candidate and the king another, and then both parties appealed to the pope. Innocent rejected both candidates and proposed one of his own, Stephen Langton, a man in every way suitable for the office. John refused to submit, and the pope used against him the same means that had been employed to coerce Philip Augustus. He laid England under an interdict, and, though its effect was not so immediate as in France, it finally brought John to terms. Not only was John obliged to accept the pope's candidate, but he went so far as to surrender the kingdom of England to the pope and receive it back as the pope's vassal, paying in token of vassalage a sum of money each year."—Colby, 1899

Canterbury Cathedral

"Canterbury Cathedral, which was a key place during the contest with King John. In the quarrel with…

Canterbury Cathedral.

Green Court Gate

Canterbury Cathedral.

Canterbury Cathedral.

Christ Gate

Canterbury Cathedral.

Towers of the West Gate at Canterbury Cathedral.

Towers of the West Gate

Towers of the West Gate at Canterbury Cathedral.

The Chair of St. Augustine at Canterbury Cathedral.

The Chair of St. Augustine

The Chair of St. Augustine at Canterbury Cathedral.

Tomb of the Black Prince at Canterbury Cathedral.

Tomb of the Black Prince

Tomb of the Black Prince at Canterbury Cathedral.

This Romanesque capital is found in cloisters of a church. It is a simpler design that is reminiscent of the Antique style.

Romanesque Capital

This Romanesque capital is found in cloisters of a church. It is a simpler design that is reminiscent…

This Romanesque capital is found in cloisters of a church. It is a simpler design that is reminiscent of the Antique style.

Romanesque Capital

This Romanesque capital is found in cloisters of a church. It is a simpler design that is reminiscent…

This Romanesque capital is found in cloisters of a church. It is a simpler design that is reminiscent of the Antique style.

Romanesque Capital

This Romanesque capital is found in cloisters of a church. It is a simpler design that is reminiscent…

The Romanesque Cushion Capital is found in St. Gereon's church in Cologne, Germany. It is a design of a half sphere that is cut by planes below and on the four sides.

Romanesque Cushion Capital

The Romanesque Cushion Capital is found in St. Gereon's church in Cologne, Germany. It is a design of…

This Romanesque Cushion Capital is found in the Abbey church in Germany. It is a design of a half sphere that is cut by planes below and on the four sides.

Romanesque Cushion Capital

This Romanesque Cushion Capital is found in the Abbey church in Germany. It is a design of a half sphere…

"Cardinal, an ecclesiastical prince in the Roman Catholic Church, who has a voice in the conclave at the election of a pope, the popes being taken from the cardinals. The cardinals are appointed by the pope, and are divided into three classes or orders, comprising six bishops, fifty priests, and fourteen deacons making seventy at most." — Winston's Encyclopedia, 1919

Cardinal Hat

"Cardinal, an ecclesiastical prince in the Roman Catholic Church, who has a voice in the conclave at…

A cathedral with pointed towers.

Cathedral

A cathedral with pointed towers.

An illustration of the Cathedral at Pisa located in Pisa, Italy. In the distance on the right side the Leaning Tower of Pisa is noticeable.

Cathedral at Pisa (exterior)

An illustration of the Cathedral at Pisa located in Pisa, Italy. In the distance on the right side the…

An illustration of the interior of the Cathedral at Pisa located in Pisa, Italy.

Cathedral at Pisa (interior)

An illustration of the interior of the Cathedral at Pisa located in Pisa, Italy.

The Ameins Cathedral viewed from the front.

Ameins Cathedral

The Ameins Cathedral viewed from the front.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Amiens (French: Cath&eacute;drale Notre-Dame d'Amiens), or simply Amiens Cathedral, is the tallest complete cathedral in France, with the greatest interior volume (estimated at 200,000 m<sup>3</sup>). The vaults of the nave are 42.30 m high, the tallest nave vaults in any completed French cathedral, and surpassed only by the incomplete Beauvais Cathedral. This monumental cathedral is located in Amiens, the chief city of Picardy, in the Somme River valley a little over 100 kilometers north of Paris.

Amiens Cathedral

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Amiens (French: Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens), or simply Amiens…

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Amiens or simply Amiens Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral and seat of the Bishop of Amiens, Jean-Luc Marie Maurice Louis Bouilleret. The cathedral is the tallest complete cathedral in France, with the greatest interior volume (estimated at 200,000 m&sup3;). The vaults of the nave are 42.30 m high, the tallest nave vaults in any completed French cathedral, and surpassed only by the incomplete Beauvais Cathedral. This monumental cathedral is located in Amiens, the chief city of Picardy, in the Somme River valley a little over 100 kilometers north of Paris.

Amiens Cathedral

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Amiens or simply Amiens Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral and seat…

An illustration of the floor plan of Angouleme Cathedral. A first cathedral was built on the site a primitive, pre-Christian sanctuary, in the 4th century AD. The edifice was destroyed when the town was taken by Clovis after the Battle of Vouill&eacute; (507). Another cathedral was consecrated in 560, but this was also set on fire by the Vikings/Normans some two centuries later. A third cathedral was then constructed under bishop Grimoard, abbot of Saint-Pierre de Brant&ocirc;me. The new church was consecrated in 1017. However, at the beginning of the 12th century the citizens started to consider it too small for to the wealth of the county. The designer was bishop Gerard II, one of the most important French figures of the time, who was a professor, Papal legate for four popes and also a notable artist. Works began about 1110 and finished in 1128.

Angouleme Cathedral

An illustration of the floor plan of Angouleme Cathedral. A first cathedral was built on the site a…

The Canterbury Cathedral viewe from the front.

Canterbury Cathedral

The Canterbury Cathedral viewe from the front.

An illustration of the floor plan of Canterbury Cathedral. Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury, Kent, is one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England and forms part of a World Heritage Site. It is the cathedral of the Archbishop of Canterbury, leader of the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Communion. Its formal title is the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Christ at Canterbury.

Canterbury Cathedral

An illustration of the floor plan of Canterbury Cathedral. Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury, Kent,…

The Chartres cathedral viewed from the front.

Chartres Cathedral

The Chartres cathedral viewed from the front.

An illustration of the floor plan of Chartres Cathedral. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres, (French: Cath&eacute;drale Notre-Dame de Chartres), located in Chartres, about 80 kilometres (50 mi) southwest of Paris, is considered one of the finest examples in all France of the Gothic style of architecture.

Chartres Cathedral

An illustration of the floor plan of Chartres Cathedral. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres, (French:…

The Cologne Cathedral viewed from the front.

Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral viewed from the front.