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Abbey of Allerheiligen, or All Saints, this abbey is beautifully situated on the banks of the Lierbach, a stream which takes its rise on the western slope of the Hornisgrinde, and turns sharply southward. Indebted for its foundation to the Duchess Uta von Schauenberg, according to tradition owed its situation to an ass. The duchess determined to found an abbey, but undecided as to the site, she ordered the necessary funds to be placed on the back of an ass, declaring that where the animal stopped there she would build. On this spot work was at once begun in the year 1192 and two years after the monastery was completed.

Abbey of Allerheiligen

Abbey of Allerheiligen, or All Saints, this abbey is beautifully situated on the banks of the Lierbach,…

Melrose Abbey is a Gothic style Christian monastery located in Melrose, Scotland. The Abbey was founded in 1136 by Cistercian Monks, on the request of King David I of Scotland.

Melrose Abbey

Melrose Abbey is a Gothic style Christian monastery located in Melrose, Scotland. The Abbey was founded…

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 Church in Wilden, Worcestershire about one mile to the north east of Stourport. It was designed by W J Hopkins with funds provided by Alfred Baldwin very close to his own home, Wilden House and one of his large iron works. It served the Baldwin family and their employees and was consecrated in 1880.

Church of All Saints, Wilden, Worcestershire

All Saints Church in Wilden, Worcestershire about one mile to the north east of Stourport. It was designed…

All Saints' Church, Brixworth, is an outstanding example of early Anglo-Saxon architecture located in central England, and has been called "perhaps the most imposing architectural memorial of the seventh century yet surviving north of the Alps"

All Saints' Church, Brixworth

All Saints' Church, Brixworth, is an outstanding example of early Anglo-Saxon architecture located in…

The origins of the cathedral are related to the construction in 445 of stone church on the Druim Saileach (Sallow Ridge) hill by St. Patrick, around which a monastic community developed. The Church was and is the center of the Church of Ireland. The Church itself has been destroyed and rebuilt 17 times. It was substantially restored between 1834 and 1840 by Archbishop Lord John George Beresford and the architect Lewis Nockalls Cottingham.

Armagh Cathedral Choir

The origins of the cathedral are related to the construction in 445 of stone church on the Druim Saileach…

The site of Bangor Cathedral was originally occupied by St. Deiniol's monastery, established in the 6th century around c.525 on land given by the king of Gwynedd, Maelgwn Gwynedd. Deiniol is said to have been consecrated as a bishop by Saint David, making him the first Bishop of Bangor. This monastery was sacked in 634 and again in 1073. Nothing of the original building survives.

Bangor Cathedral, Caernarvonshire

The site of Bangor Cathedral was originally occupied by St. Deiniol's monastery, established in the…

It was roughly here that the Battle of Shrewsbury of 1403 took place. A church, commonly known as "Battlefield Church", but officially St. Mary Magdalene Church, was built in memory of the thousands who died.

Battlefield Church, Shrewsbury

It was roughly here that the Battle of Shrewsbury of 1403 took place. A church, commonly known as "Battlefield…

He is well known as an author and scholar, and his most famous work, Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum (The Ecclesiastical History of the English People) gained him the title "The father of English history". Bede is regarded as a Doctor of the Church by the Roman Catholic Church, a position of theological significance; he is the only man from Great Britain to achieve this designation.

Bede's Tomb, Durham Cathedral

He is well known as an author and scholar, and his most famous work, Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum…

It is generally regarded as the most impressive (architecturally speaking) church in England that is not a cathedral. Originally a collegiate church, it was not selected as a bishop's seat during the Dissolution of the Monasteries; nevertheless it survived as a parish church, and the chapter house was the only major part of the building to be lost.

Beverly Minster

It is generally regarded as the most impressive (architecturally speaking) church in England that is…

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…

The cathedral was founded by Augustine in 602 AD and dedicated to St. Saviour. The Cathedral's first Archbishop was St. Augustine of Canterbury, previously abbot of St. Andrew's Benedictine Abbey in Rome. He was sent by Pope Gregory the Great in AD 597 as a missionary to the Anglo-Saxons.

Canterbury Cathedral

The cathedral was founded by Augustine in 602 AD and dedicated to St. Saviour. The Cathedral's first…

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…

Norwich Cathedral is a Church of England cathedral in Norwich in Norfolk, England dedicated to the Holy and Undivided Trinity.

The Cathedral of East Anglia (Norwich)

Norwich Cathedral is a Church of England cathedral in Norwich in Norfolk, England dedicated to the Holy…

Built between 1175 and 1490, Wells Cathedral has been described as "the most poetic of the English Cathedrals". Much of the structure is in the Early English style and is greatly enriched by the deeply sculptural nature of the mouldings and the vitality of the carved capitals in a foliate style known as "stiff leaf". The eastern end has retained much original glass, which is rare in England. The exterior has a splendid Early English façade and a large central tower.

Wells Cathedral, Somerset

Built between 1175 and 1490, Wells Cathedral has been described as "the most poetic of the English Cathedrals".…

"Chancel" is an architectural term for the space around the altar at the liturgical east end of a traditional Christian church building. It may terminate in an apse. As well as the altar, the chancel usually houses the credence table, and seats for officiating and assisting ministers. In Anglican churches it will usually include the choir. In some traditions, the pulpit and lectern may be in the chancel, but in others these functions are considered proper to the nave.

An Unrestored Chancel

"Chancel" is an architectural term for the space around the altar at the liturgical east end of a traditional…

Chichester Cathedral in Chichester, West Sussex, England is an Anglican Cathedral. The Cathedral was founded in 1075, after the seat of the bishop was transferred to the town from nearby Selsey. It was consecrated in 1108.

Chichester Cathedral

Chichester Cathedral in Chichester, West Sussex, England is an Anglican Cathedral. The Cathedral was…

Formerly it was the parish church of Chelsea when it was a village, before it was engulfed by London. The building originally consisted of a 13th century chancel with chapels to the north and south (c.1325) and a nave and tower built in 1670.

Old Church at Chelsea

Formerly it was the parish church of Chelsea when it was a village, before it was engulfed by London.…

During the Middle Ages, Perth's only parish church was the Burgh Kirk of St. John the Baptist. With the town centre dominated by this huge building. The building was split into three congregations (the East, West and Middle Kirks), divided by internal walls, after the Reformation, and was only returned to its medieval proportions in the 1920s by Sir Robert Lorimer, who restored the building as a war-memorial for those soldiers from Perthshire who had fallen in the Great War.

The Old Church, Perth, N.B.

During the Middle Ages, Perth's only parish church was the Burgh Kirk of St. John the Baptist. With…

This illustration shows one fragment of a French cloister built in the Middle Ages. The architecture is Gothic, with pointed arches and vaulted ceilings, Two monks huddle in the passageway. This cloister looks very similar to the cloister at Mont Saint Michel Abbey, though it is not labeled as such.

A Cloister at a French Monastery from the Middle Ages

This illustration shows one fragment of a French cloister built in the Middle Ages. The architecture…

"Ground-plan of durham Cathedral." — Chambers' Encyclopedia, 1875

Durham Cathedral

"Ground-plan of durham Cathedral." — Chambers' Encyclopedia, 1875

The Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham, commonly referred to as Durham Cathedral, in the city of Durham, England, was founded in AD 1093 and remains a centre for Christian worship today. Durham Castle is a Norman castle in the city of Durham, England, which has been wholly occupied since 1840 by University College, Durham. The castle stands on top of a hill above the River Wear on Durham's peninsula, opposite Durham Cathedral.

Durham Cathedral and Castle

The Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham, commonly referred…

Founded in AD 1093, it remains a centre for Christian worship today. It is generally regarded as one of the finest examples of a Norman cathedral in Europe and has been designated a <abbr title="United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization">UNESCO</abbr> World Heritage Site along with nearby Durham Castle, which faces it across Palace Green, high above the River Wear.

Durham Cathedral from the Wear

Founded in AD 1093, it remains a centre for Christian worship today. It is generally regarded as one…

Ely Cathedral (in full, The Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Ely) is the principal church of the Diocese of Ely, in Cambridgeshire, England, and the seat of the Bishop of Ely. It is known locally as "the ship of the Fens", because of its prominent shape that towers above the surrounding flat and watery landscape.

Ely Cathedral

Ely Cathedral (in full, The Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Ely) is the principal…

Eyam churchyard contains a Saxon cross dated to the 7th or 8th centuries. Initially, it was located at the side of a cart track near to Eyam. After the plague it was moved to its present location.

Eyam Churchyard Cross

Eyam churchyard contains a Saxon cross dated to the 7th or 8th centuries. Initially, it was located…

"Lady Chapel of Gloucester Cathedral, England, looking toward the nave." -Whitney, 1911

Gloucester Cathedral

"Lady Chapel of Gloucester Cathedral, England, looking toward the nave." -Whitney, 1911

The cathedral consists of a Norman nucleus (Walter de Lacy is buried there), with additions in every style of Gothic architecture. It is 420 feet (130 m) long, and 144 feet (44 m) wide, with a beautiful central tower of the 15th century rising to the height of 225 ft (69 m). and topped by four graceful pinnacles, a famous landmark.

Gloucester Cathedral (Abbey) Church

The cathedral consists of a Norman nucleus (Walter de Lacy is buried there), with additions in every…

Greensted Church, in the small village of Greensted, near Chipping Ongar in Essex, England, is the oldest wooden church in the world, and probably the oldest wooden building in Europe still standing, albeit only in part, since few sections of its original wooden structure remain. The oak palisade walls are often classified as remnants of a palisade church or a kind of early stave church, dated either to the mid-9th or mid-11th century.

Greenstead Church

Greensted Church, in the small village of Greensted, near Chipping Ongar in Essex, England, is the oldest…

In the war between King and Parliament (the English Civil War) the city of Hereford fell into the hands first of one party, then of the other. Once it endured a siege, and when it was taken the conquerors ran riot in the cathedral and, in their fury, caused great damage which could never be repaired. In the early years of the 18th century, Bishop Bisse (1712-21), devised a scheme to support the central tower. He also had installed an enormous altar-piece and an oak screen, and instead of restoring the Chapter House he allowed its stones to be utilized for alterations to the Bishop's Palace.

Hereford Cathedral

In the war between King and Parliament (the English Civil War) the city of Hereford fell into the hands…

There has been a church on the site for over 1300 years since Etheldreda, Queen of Northumbria made a grant of lands to Wilfrid, Bishop of York c.674. Of Wilfrid's Benedictine abbey, which was constructed almost entirely of material salvaged from nearby Roman ruins, the Saxon crypt and apse still remain.

Hexham Abbey

There has been a church on the site for over 1300 years since Etheldreda, Queen of Northumbria made…

The present parish church of St. Peter's at Wearmouth, on the north bank of the River Wear, occupies the ancient priory church building and is one of the oldest churches in Great Britain. The tower dates from Norman times, and doubtless formed part of the building as restored after the Conquest.

Jarrow Church Tower

The present parish church of St. Peter's at Wearmouth, on the north bank of the River Wear, occupies…

Kelso Abbey is a Scottish abbey built in the 12th century by a community of Tironensian monks who had moved from the nearby Selkirk Abbey. The monks constructed the Abbey on land granted to them by King David I. The construction commenced in 1128, and when completed fifteen years later, in 1143, it was dedicated to The Blessed Virgin and Saint John. The importance of the Abbey at that time was shown when King James III of Scotland was crowned at the Abbey in 1460. However, the Abbey's proximity to the border with England led to it suffering damage from cross-border raids. It was first damaged in the Anglo-Scottish wars at the start of the 1300s, but was later repaired by the monks.

Ruins of Kelso Abbey

Kelso Abbey is a Scottish abbey built in the 12th century by a community of Tironensian monks who had…

Lichfield Cathedral is situated in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. It is the only medieval English cathedral with three spires. The stone is sandstone and came from a quarry on the south side of Lichfield. The walls of the nave lean outwards slightly, due to the weight of stone used in the ceiling vaulting, some 200&ndash;300 tons of which was removed during renovation work to prevent the walls leaning further.

Lichfield Cathedral

Lichfield Cathedral is situated in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. It is the only medieval English…

The monastery of Lindisfarne was founded by Irish born Saint Aidan, who had been sent from Iona off the west coast of Scotland to Northumbria at the request of King Oswald around AD 635. It became the base for Christian evangelizing in the North of England and also sent a successful mission to Mercia.

Lindisfarne Priory Ruins before 1860

The monastery of Lindisfarne was founded by Irish born Saint Aidan, who had been sent from Iona off…

Llandaff Cathedral is the seat of the Anglican Bishop of Llandaff (of the Church in Wales), situated in the suburb of Llandaff in the city of Cardiff, the capital of Wales.

Llandaff Cathedral

Llandaff Cathedral is the seat of the Anglican Bishop of Llandaff (of the Church in Wales), situated…

Lyminge is a village in southeast Kent, England.

Lyminge Church

Lyminge is a village in southeast Kent, England.

Manchester Cathedral is a Medieval church located on Victoria Street in central Manchester and is the seat of the Bishop of Manchester. Although constructed over a period of 600 years, its main architectural style is Perpendicular Gothic, replete with tall windows and flat fan-vaulted ceilings. The interior of the church contains many pieces of period art, notably the medieval woodcarvings of the Ripon Carvers.

Manchester Cathedral

Manchester Cathedral is a Medieval church located on Victoria Street in central Manchester and is the…

Now known as Mainz Cathedral. Originally St. John's Church, then St. Salvator, consecrated in 911 by Archbishop Hatto I, served as the cathedral for the Bishop of Mainz until the appointment of Willigis as Archbishop of Mainz in 975.

Mayence Cathedral

Now known as Mainz Cathedral. Originally St. John's Church, then St. Salvator, consecrated in 911 by…

Melrose Abbey is a Gothic-style abbey in Melrose, Scotland. It was founded in 1136 by Cistercian monks, on the request of King David I of Scotland. In 1544, as English armies raged across Scotland and badly damaged the Abbey which was never fully repaired.

Melrose Abbey Ruins

Melrose Abbey is a Gothic-style abbey in Melrose, Scotland. It was founded in 1136 by Cistercian monks,…

In English usage, Minster is an honorific title attached to certain major medieval churches. Most of the best known were cathedrals in the medieval period.

Minster Church, Isle of Sheppey

In English usage, Minster is an honorific title attached to certain major medieval churches. Most of…

The present parish church of St. Peter's at Wearmouth, on the north bank of the River Wear, occupies the ancient priory church building and is one of the oldest churches in Great Britain. The tower dates from Norman times, and doubtless formed part of the building as restored after the Conquest.

Monkwearmouth Church

The present parish church of St. Peter's at Wearmouth, on the north bank of the River Wear, occupies…

Old St. Paul's is a name used to refer to the Gothic cathedral in the City of London built between 1087 and 1314. At its peak, the cathedral was the third longest church in Europe and had one of the tallest spires. Old St Paul's was completely gutted in the Great Fire of London of 1666, which destroyed the roof and much of the stonework. Temporary repairs were made to the building, but while it might have been salvageable, albeit with almost complete reconstruction, a decision was taken to build a new cathedral in a modern style instead, a step which had been contemplated even before the fire.

Old St. Paul's Cathedral

Old St. Paul's is a name used to refer to the Gothic cathedral in the City of London built between 1087…

In 1522, the priory was surrendered to Cardinal Wolsey, having selected it as a site for his proposed college. However, in 1529 the foundation was taken over by King Henry VIII. Work stopped, but in June 1532 the college was refounded by the King. In 1546, Henry VIII transferred to it from Oseney to the see of Oxford. The cathedral has the name of Ecclesia Christi Cathedralis Oxoniensis, given to it by King Henry VIII's foundation charter.

Oxford Cathedral

In 1522, the priory was surrendered to Cardinal Wolsey, having selected it as a site for his proposed…

This textile pattern is a 12th century design made of silk and gold. It is found in a tomb in the Abbey of St. Germain des pres in Paris, France.

Textile Pattern

This textile pattern is a 12th century design made of silk and gold. It is found in a tomb in the Abbey…

"Queen Elizabeth's Tomb: In the North Aisle of Henry VII's Chapel, Westminster Abbey." — Chambers, 1881

Queen Elizabeth's Tomb

"Queen Elizabeth's Tomb: In the North Aisle of Henry VII's Chapel, Westminster Abbey." — Chambers,…

People have been coming to worship and pray at Ripon for more than 1,350 years. The Cathedral building itself is part of this continuing act of worship, begun in the 7th century when Saint Wilfrid built one of England’s first stone churches on this site, and still renewed every day.

Ripon Cathedral

People have been coming to worship and pray at Ripon for more than 1,350 years. The Cathedral building…

The present building is widely regarded as one of the finest Norman cathedrals in the country, with a particularly fine doorway at its western (main) entrance. The tympanum depicts Christ sitting in glory in the centre, with Justus and Ethelbert flanking him on either side of the doorway.

Rochester Cathedral, West Door

The present building is widely regarded as one of the finest Norman cathedrals in the country, with…

The lighthouse on the Eastern Heights still stands in the grounds of Dover Castle to 80 foot (24 m) high close to its original height, and has been adapted for use as the bell tower of the adjacent castle church of St Mary de Castro.

Roman Lighthouse, and Part of St. Mary's Church, Dover

The lighthouse on the Eastern Heights still stands in the grounds of Dover Castle to 80 foot (24 m)…

A doodad with scepters, a shield, and a crown.

Royal Doodad

A doodad with scepters, a shield, and a crown.

"Section of the Church of S. Constantia at Rome. The simplest desctiptions of this kind of building are the baptistries, for which the ancient Thermæ furnished models. They generally have a circular or octagonal ground plan, a main space covered with a round or polygonal dome, and a circular passage separated therefrom by pillars in the same way that the side aisles are separated from the main aisle in basilicas. Sometimes they were without this passage, and only had galleries running round the interior like boxes in a theater. These buildings were generally constructed in the vicinity of cathedrals.

Santa Costanza

"Section of the Church of S. Constantia at Rome. The simplest desctiptions of this kind of building…

The Abbey Church of St. Mary the Virgin at Sherborne in the English county of Dorset, is usually called Sherborne Abbey. It has been an Saxon cathedral (705&ndash;1075), a Benedictine abbey (998&ndash;1539) and is now a parish church.

Sherborne Minster

The Abbey Church of St. Mary the Virgin at Sherborne in the English county of Dorset, is usually called…

The church was originally built by the Saxons around 960, then was adapted by the Normans when William de Braose granted it to the Knights Templar in the 12<sup><small>th</small></sup> century. The church later passed to the Knights Hospitaller in the 15<sup><small>th</small></sup> century.

Sompting Church Tower

The church was originally built by the Saxons around 960, then was adapted by the Normans when William…

This is the only building to survive. It was built c.1365 after its predecessor had been destroyed in the great storm of 1362. Originally the roof was of lower pitch than that of today and covered in lead.

St. Alban's Monastery Gate

This is the only building to survive. It was built c.1365 after its predecessor had been destroyed in…

St Asaph Cathedral, (Welsh: Eglwys Gadeiriol Llanelwy) at St Asaph, Denbighshire, north Wales, is sometimes claimed to be the smallest Anglican cathedral in Britain.

St. Asaph Cathedral

St Asaph Cathedral, (Welsh: Eglwys Gadeiriol Llanelwy) at St Asaph, Denbighshire, north Wales, is sometimes…

A prominent feature of the Edinburgh skyline, St. Giles' Cathedral or the High Kirk of Edinburgh is a Church of Scotland. The church has been one of Edinburgh's religious focal points for approximately 900 years. Today it is sometimes regarded as the mother church of Presbyterianism. St. Giles was only a cathedral in its formal sense (i.e. the seat of a bishop) for two periods during the 17th century (1635&ndash;38 and 1661&ndash;1689), when Episcopalianism, backed by the Crown, briefly gained ascendancy within the Kirk.

St. Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh

A prominent feature of the Edinburgh skyline, St. Giles' Cathedral or the High Kirk of Edinburgh is…

The Basilica of St. John Lateran (Italian: Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano) is the cathedral of the church of Rome and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop of Rome, who is the Pope. As the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, containing the papal throne (Cathedra Romana), it ranks above all other churches in the Roman Catholic Church, even above St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

St. John's Church, Lateran Palace, Rome

The Basilica of St. John Lateran (Italian: Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano) is the cathedral of…

St. Martin's was the private chapel of Queen Bertha of Kent in the 6th Century before Augustine arrived from Rome. Queen Bertha was a Christian when she arrived in England with her Chaplain, Bishop Liudhard, and King Ethelbert, her husband.

St. Martin's Church, Canterbury

St. Martin's was the private chapel of Queen Bertha of Kent in the 6th Century before Augustine arrived…

St Pancras Old Church is a Church of England parish church on Pancras Road in North London. It is believed to be one of the oldest sites of Christian worship in London and in England.

St. Pancras Church Ruins, Canterbury

St Pancras Old Church is a Church of England parish church on Pancras Road in North London. It is believed…

St Paul's Cathedral, is the Anglican cathedral on Ludgate Hill, in the City of London, and the seat of the Bishop of London. The cathedral sits on the edge of London's oldest region, the City, which originated as a Roman trading post along the edge of the River Thames.

St. Paul's Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral, is the Anglican cathedral on Ludgate Hill, in the City of London, and the seat…

The Collegiate Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, Stratford-upon-Avon is a parish church in the Church of England. It is often known simply as Shakespeare's Church, due to its fame as the place of baptism and burial of William Shakespeare. The present building dates from 1210 and is built on the site of a Saxon monastery. It is Stratford's oldest building, in a striking position on the banks of the River Avon, and has long been England's most visited parish church.

Stratford-on-Avon Church

The Collegiate Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, Stratford-upon-Avon is a parish church in the…