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"Plan of Amiens Cathedral. A, Apsidal aisle. B B, Outer aisles of choir. F G, Transepts. H, Central tower. I J, Western turrets. M, Principal or western doorway. N N, Western side doors. P Q, North and south aisles of choir. R R R, Chapels. T U, North and south aisles of nave." — Winston's Encyclopedia, 1919

Amiens Cathedral

"Plan of Amiens Cathedral. A, Apsidal aisle. B B, Outer aisles of choir. F G, Transepts. H, Central…

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";…

"An arcade of small dimensions, such as a balustrade, formed by a series of little arches. Image: Arcature.- Cathedral of Petersborough, England."-Whitney, 1902

Arcature

"An arcade of small dimensions, such as a balustrade, formed by a series of little arches. Image: Arcature.-…

"An arcade of small dimensions, such as a balustrade, formed by a series of little arches. Image: Arcature.- Cathedral of Petersborough, England."-Whitney, 1902

Arcature

"An arcade of small dimensions, such as a balustrade, formed by a series of little arches. Image: Arcature.-…

King David's Arm-chair was designed in the 13th century. The Arm-chair was made from a relief portal of a cathedral in Auxerre, France.

King David's Arm-Chair

King David's Arm-chair was designed in the 13th century. The Arm-chair was made from a relief portal…

Illustration of a bishop sitting on an ornately decorated cathedra. A crosier, pastoral staff, rests against his left shoulder. The view is of the left side of the bishop and throne. There are columns in the background, to the right of the throne. A cathedral is a church that is the cathedra, or seat, of a bishop.

A Bishop Sitting on a Bishop's Throne Called a Cathedra

Illustration of a bishop sitting on an ornately decorated cathedra. A crosier, pastoral staff, rests…

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…

The Cathedral of Bourges is located in Bourges, France. It Cathedral was built in dedication to Saint Stephen. The structure of the Cathedral is designed in a Gothic style with the use of flying buttresses.

Cathedral of Bourges

The Cathedral of Bourges is located in Bourges, France. It Cathedral was built in dedication to Saint…

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 Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity is the Anglican cathedral in the city of Bristol, England, and is commonly known as Bristol Cathedral. Founded in 1140, it became the seat of the bishop and cathedral of the new Diocese of Bristol in 1542. The cathedral has much of interest including unique architectural features, unusual memorials and a large historic organ. Bristol Cathedral was founded as St Augustine's Abbey in 1140 by Robert Fitzharding, a wealthy local landowner and royal official. As the name suggests, the monastic precinct housed Augustinian canons.

Bristol Cathedral

The Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity is the Anglican cathedral in the city of Bristol,…

Chapter House and Angel Tower, Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral

Chapter House and Angel Tower, Canterbury Cathedral

"Basket capital. Fro mthe Cathedral of Gurk." —D'Anvers, 1895

Basket Capital

"Basket capital. Fro mthe Cathedral of Gurk." —D'Anvers, 1895

It was begun during the reign of King Henry I by the first Bishop of Carlisle, the Englishman Athelwold (1133-1155), who built a moderate-sized Norman minster of which the transepts and part of the nave still exist. The present cathedral has fine examples of stone tracery, mediæval stained glass, paintings and carvings. The building is made of red sandstone, which due to local weather at some places appears black.

Carlisle Cathedral

It was begun during the reign of King Henry I by the first Bishop of Carlisle, the Englishman Athelwold…

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 Cathedral of Cologne is renowned as a monument of Christianity and of Gothic architecture. It is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe. Because of its enormous twin spires, it also presents the largest façade of any church in the world. The famous tomb of the Magi is contained within its walls. Three copper lamps, always burning, bear the names of the three kings, Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar.

Cathedral of Cologne

The Cathedral of Cologne is renowned as a monument of Christianity and of Gothic architecture. It is…

Illustration of the Cathedral at Monreale, near Palermo. It is an example of Sicilian and Norman architecture. Construction was begun in 1174. The interior includes monolithic columns with Corinthian capitals. There are numerous pointed arches. Mosaics cover all of the interior walls and ceilings.

Cathedral of Monreale - Interior View

Illustration of the Cathedral at Monreale, near Palermo. It is an example of Sicilian and Norman architecture.…

"A Cathedral is the principal church of a diocese, and the Cathedral city is the seat of the bishop of the diocese, and his throne is placed in the Cathedral church, which is the parish church of the whole diocese. The distinction between Cathedral and collegiate churches consists principally in the see of the bishop being at the former. The governing body of a Cathedral is called the dean and chapter. The Cathedral of St. John the Divine (P. E.) in New York, will, when completed, be the most splendid structure of the kind on this continent."—(Charles Leonard-Stuart, 1911)

Cathedral of St. John the Divine

"A Cathedral is the principal church of a diocese, and the Cathedral city is the seat of the bishop…

An Anglican cathedral on Ludgate Hill in London, England.

St. Paul's Cathedral

An Anglican cathedral on Ludgate Hill in London, England.

"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…

The Sainte Chapelle viewed from the front.

Sainte Chapelle

The Sainte Chapelle viewed from the front.

"The Chapter-House, Salisbury Cathedral." —D'Anvers, 1895

Chapter-house

"The Chapter-House, Salisbury Cathedral." —D'Anvers, 1895

"The Sleeping Children. By Chantery. In Lichfield Cathedral." —D'Anvers, 1895

Sleeping children

"The Sleeping Children. By Chantery. In Lichfield Cathedral." —D'Anvers, 1895

"Choir of Worcester Cathedral" —D'Anvers, 1895

Choir

"Choir of Worcester Cathedral" —D'Anvers, 1895

St. Louis, Missouri's cathedral as pictured in 1874.

Church

St. Louis, Missouri's cathedral as pictured in 1874.

This marble mosaic circle pattern is inlaid pieces of glass found in the windows of a cathedral in Florence, Italy.

Marble Mosaic Circle Pattern

This marble mosaic circle pattern is inlaid pieces of glass found in the windows of a cathedral in Florence,…

The Libreria Cluster is a fruit Festoon design found in the Cathedral of Siena, Italy during the Italian Renaissance.

Libreria Cluster

The Libreria Cluster is a fruit Festoon design found in the Cathedral of Siena, Italy during the Italian…

The Tomb of Louis XVII Cluster is a fruit Festoon design found in St. Denis, France during the French Renaissance.

Tomb of Louis XVII Cluster

The Tomb of Louis XVII Cluster is a fruit Festoon design found in St. Denis, France during the French…

"This edifice was begun in the eleventh century, but was not finished until our own day (1880). It is one of the most imposing monuments of Gothic architecture in the world."—Myers, 1905

The Cologne Cathedral

"This edifice was begun in the eleventh century, but was not finished until our own day (1880). It is…

West front view of the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.

Cologne Cathedral

West front view of the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.

Illustration of the southern side of the Cathedral of Cologne. Construction on the cathedral was begun in 1248 and it was meant to be a place to hold the reliquary of the Three Kings. The cathedral was not completed until the 19th century. Its Gothic architecture is based largely on the Amiens Cathedral. From the view, the cathedral's enormous Germanic spires are visible.

A Southern View of the Cathedral of Cologne in Germany

Illustration of the southern side of the Cathedral of Cologne. Construction on the cathedral was begun…

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

Durham Cathedral

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

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 UNESCO World Heritage Site along with nearby Durham Castle, which faces it across Palace Green, high above the River Wear.

Durham Cathedral

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

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…

Early English Style, Detached shafts in Lady Chapel, Salisbury Catherdral

Early English Style (Salisbury Cathedral)

Early English Style, Detached shafts in Lady Chapel, Salisbury Catherdral

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 Anglican 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…

"A small desk in cathedrals, churches, etc., at which the litany is enjoined to be sung or said. It is sometimes called a litany stool or litany desk, and when used it is generally placed in the middle of the choir, sometimes near the steps of the altar." -Whitney, 1911

Faldstool

"A small desk in cathedrals, churches, etc., at which the litany is enjoined to be sung or said. It…

This early gothic finial is a 13th century three dimensional cross. Made out of stone, it decorates the top of a cathedral found in Chatres, a town in north-central France.

Early Gothic Finial

This early gothic finial is a 13th century three dimensional cross. Made out of stone, it decorates…

The part of grill finial is a 15th century design found on the Toulouse Cathedral in France. It is made out of wrought-iron and is in the shape of a flower.

Part of Grill Finial

The part of grill finial is a 15th century design found on the Toulouse Cathedral in France. It is made…

The stone knob finial is an Italian Gothic design found in a Milan Cathedral. It is typically used as termination in architecture and furniture.

Stone Knob Finial

The stone knob finial is an Italian Gothic design found in a Milan Cathedral. It is typically used as…

The stone knob finial is an Italian Gothic design found in a Milan Cathedral. It is typically used as termination in architecture and furniture.

Stone Knob Finial

The stone knob finial is an Italian Gothic design found in a Milan Cathedral. It is typically used as…

This view of Florence shows the Duomo (cathedral) on the right and Giotto's Campanile (tower) on the left.

Florence

This view of Florence shows the Duomo (cathedral) on the right and Giotto's Campanile (tower) on the…

Sanctuary was also a right to be safe from arrest in the sanctuary of a church or temple, recognized by English law from the fourth to the seventeenth century.

Fugitive Claiming Sanctuary

Sanctuary was also a right to be safe from arrest in the sanctuary of a church or temple, recognized…

"Gable of the South Transept Door of Notre Dame, Paris; 13th century." -Whitney, 1911

Gable at Notre Dame de Paris

"Gable of the South Transept Door of Notre Dame, Paris; 13th century." -Whitney, 1911

"Gable Tower, Dormans, France. A tower finished with gables on two sides or on all four sides, instead of terminating in a spire, a parapet, or otherwise." -Whitney, 1911

Gable Tower in France

"Gable Tower, Dormans, France. A tower finished with gables on two sides or on all four sides, instead…

"Galleries of the west front of the Cathedral of Amiens, 13th century, illustrating treatment of galleries as a decorative feature." -Whitney, 1911

Galleries of Cathedral of Amiens

"Galleries of the west front of the Cathedral of Amiens, 13th century, illustrating treatment of galleries…

A gargoyle on the 13th century cathedral, La Sainte-Chapel in Paris, France, an example of Gothic architecture.

Gothic Gargoyle

A gargoyle on the 13th century cathedral, La Sainte-Chapel in Paris, France, an example of Gothic architecture.

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…

Salisbury Cathedral, an example of Gothic archcitecture.

Gothic Architecture - Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral, an example of Gothic archcitecture.

Cross section of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul (historically Constantinople). The Greek name Hagia Sophia means "Holy Wisdom." It is known as Ayasofya in Turkish. <p>The building was originally constructed as a church between A.D. 532 and 537 on the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Empire under Mehmed the Conqueror, who ordered the building be converted into a mosque. It was closed in 1931 and reopened as a museum in 1935. This important milestone in the history of architecture was the world's largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years. It also greatly influenced the design of Ottoman mosques, including the nearby Blue Mosque.

Hagia Sophia

Cross section of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul (historically Constantinople). The Greek name Hagia Sophia…

Hagia Sophia is a former patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Famous in particular for its massive dome, it is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. It was the largest cathedral ever built in the world for nearly a thousand years, until the completion of the Seville Cathedral in 1520. The current building was originally constructed as a church between A.D. 532 and 537 on the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, and was in fact the third Church of the Holy Wisdom to occupy the site.

Plan of Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is a former patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Famous…

Hagia Sophia is a former patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Famous in particular for its massive dome, it is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. It was the largest cathedral ever built in the world for nearly a thousand years, until the completion of the Seville Cathedral in 1520. The current building was originally constructed as a church between A.D. 532 and 537 on the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, and was in fact the third Church of the Holy Wisdom to occupy the site.

Section of Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is a former patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Famous…

This Dolphin Head was designed in a Cathedral in Limoges, France during French Renaissance.

Dolphin Head

This Dolphin Head was designed in a Cathedral in Limoges, France during French Renaissance.

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…

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…

The Cathedral of Laon.

Laon

The Cathedral of Laon.

The Le Puy Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy) facade or west front. It is a Roman Catholic cathedral and French monument located in Le Puy-en-Velay, Auvergne.

Le Puy Cathedral

The Le Puy Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy) facade or west front. It is a Roman Catholic cathedral…

"Sectional compartment of the Nave of Lincoln Cathedral." &mdash; Encyclopedia Britanica, 1893

Lincoln Cathedral

"Sectional compartment of the Nave of Lincoln Cathedral." — Encyclopedia Britanica, 1893

"Sectional compartment of the Choir of Lincoln Cathedral." &mdash; Encyclopedia Britanica, 1893

Lincoln Cathedral

"Sectional compartment of the Choir of Lincoln Cathedral." — Encyclopedia Britanica, 1893