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The interior view of the rectory in Market Deeping during the fourteenth century. The empty room contains a window with a curved tracery. A rectory is a house where a rector, a religious administrator, took residence.

Gothic Rectory in Market Deeping House

The interior view of the rectory in Market Deeping during the fourteenth century. The empty room contains…

An interior view of a merchant's parlour in Salisbury during the fourteenth century. The interior have a fireplace and a painting on top of the window.

Merchant's Parlour Salisbury House

An interior view of a merchant's parlour in Salisbury during the fourteenth century. The interior have…

The Lincoln Cathedral (The Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lincoln) is a geometric style Gothic cathedral in Canterbury, England.

Lincoln Cathedral

The Lincoln Cathedral (The Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lincoln) is a geometric style…

A Gothic architecture arch moulding used during the fourteenth century. The mouldings were used to decorate the archs of the windows and doorways built in stone walls.

Gothic Architecture Arch Moulding

A Gothic architecture arch moulding used during the fourteenth century. The mouldings were used to decorate…

An example illustration of Gothic architectural ornamentation on arches during fourteenth century.

Gothic Architecture Ornaments Arch Moulding

An example illustration of Gothic architectural ornamentation on arches during fourteenth century.

A Gothic architectural ornamentation for wall mouldings. The illustrated moulding is commonly found on top edges of the wall.

Gothic Architecture Ornaments Wall Moulding

A Gothic architectural ornamentation for wall mouldings. The illustrated moulding is commonly found…

Illustration of a Gothic parapet moulding used during the fourteenth century. Parapets are exterior wall extension continuing above the wall to create a fire wall to reduce fire risks.

Gothic Architecture Parapet Moulding

Illustration of a Gothic parapet moulding used during the fourteenth century. Parapets are exterior…

The English treated woodwork with consummate skill. They invented and developed a variety of forms of roof-truss in which the proper distribution of the strains was combined with a highly decorative treatment of the several parts by carving, moulding, and arcading. The ceiling surfaces between the trusses were handled decoratively, and the oaken open-timber ceilings of many of the English churches and civic of academic halls are such noble and beautiful works as quite to justify the substitution of wooden for vaulted ceilings.

Roof of Nave, St. Mary's, Westonzoyland

The English treated woodwork with consummate skill. They invented and developed a variety of forms of…

"It was in Central France, and mainly along the Loire, that the systematic development of vaulted church architecture began. Naves covered with barrel-vaults, sometimes of pointed section, appear in a number of large churches built during the eleventh and twelfth centuries, with apsidal and transeptal chapels and aisles carried around the apse, as in Notre-Dame du Port at Clermont-Ferrand. The thrust of these ponderous vaults was clumsily resisted by half-barrel vaults over the side aisles, transmitting the strain to massive side-walls."

Section of Notre-Dame du Port

"It was in Central France, and mainly along the Loire, that the systematic development of vaulted church…

A gable is the generally triangular portion of a wall between the edges of a sloping roof. A wimperg is a German and Dutch word for a Gothic ornamental gable with tracery over windows or portals, which were often accompanied with pinnacles. It was a typical element in Gothic Architecture especially in cathedral architecture. Wimpergs often had crockets or other decorative elements in the Gothic style. The intention behind the wimperg was the perception of increased height.

Openwork Gable, From Front of Rouen Cathedral

A gable is the generally triangular portion of a wall between the edges of a sloping roof. A wimperg…

A Gothic diaper ornament during the fourteenth century. A diaper ornament is a carved or painted surface of square shapes containing flowers or simple figures.

Gothic Architecture Diaper Ornament

A Gothic diaper ornament during the fourteenth century. A diaper ornament is a carved or painted surface…

A church of the Gothic style (1208-1209) with an interior rich in beauty. The whole town and even the church was the scene of horror when destroyed by the Turks in 1683

Church of Perchtholdsdorf

A church of the Gothic style (1208-1209) with an interior rich in beauty. The whole town and even the…

This is a plan of the Cathedral at Tournai, Belgium. It is an example of Netherlands Gothic architecture. The construction lasted from 1146 to 1325. "In the 13th century [Belgium and Holland] came under the influence of the great Gothic movement in France, and two or three of their cathedrals compare [favorably] with the French cathedrals. The finest example of earlier date is that of the cathedral of Tournai, the nave of which was built in the second half of the 11th century, to which a transept with north and south apses and aisles round them was added about the middle of the 12th century. These latter features are contemporaneous with similar examples at Cologne, and the idea of the plan may have been taken from them; externally, however, they differ so widely that the design may be looked upon as an original conception, though the nave arcades, triforium storey, and clerestory resemble the contemporaneous work in Normandy. The original choir was pulled down in the 14h century, and a magnificent chevet of the French type erected in its place. The grouping of the towers which flank the transept, with the central lantern, the apses, and lofty choir is extremely fine."

Plan of Cathedral at Tournai, 1146–1325

This is a plan of the Cathedral at Tournai, Belgium. It is an example of Netherlands Gothic architecture.…

This is a plan of the Durham Cathedral, England. It is an example of English Gothic architecture. Building began in 1093 and was finished in approximately 40 years. "The square eastern termination, the less ambitious height, and the comparatively simple buttress–system, combine to give the English Gothic cathedral an air of greater repose than is found in the magnificent triumphs of French Gothic art." The scale is in feet.

Plan of Durham Cathedral, 1093–1133

This is a plan of the Durham Cathedral, England. It is an example of English Gothic architecture. Building…

This is a plan of the Salisbury Cathedral, England. It is an example of English Gothic architecture. The scale is in feet. "The square eastern termination, the less ambitious height, and the comparatively simple buttress–system, combine to give the English Gothic cathedral an air of great repose than is found in the magnificent triumphs of French Gothic art." The grouping "of 'lancet' windows, the piercing of the wall above them with the foiled circles, and the combination of the whole under an enclosed arch, soon led to the introduction of tracery, for which the design of earlier triforium arcades had also afforded a suggestion."

Plan of Salisbury Cathedral, 1075–1092

This is a plan of the Salisbury Cathedral, England. It is an example of English Gothic architecture.…

With the growth in size of the windows and the progressive suppression of the lateral walls of vaulted structures, stained glass came more and more generally into use. It stimulated the increase in the size of windows, and the suppression of the walls, and contributed greatly to the development of <em>tracery</em>. Its evolution can be traced from the simple coupling of twin windows under a single hood-mould or discharging arch (shown here), to the florid network of the fifteenth century.

Plate Tracery, Charlton-on-Oxmore

With the growth in size of the windows and the progressive suppression of the lateral walls of vaulted…

A ribbed vault of the English type with divided groin-ribs and ridge-ribs.

English Style Ribbed Vault

A ribbed vault of the English type with divided groin-ribs and ridge-ribs.

Sexpartite vault (or six-part vault), in architecture, is a rib vault divided into six bays by two diagonal ribs and three transverse ribs. Legend: a, transverse ribs (doubleaux); b, wall-ribs (formerets); c, groin-ribs (diagonaux). All the ribs are semi-circle.

Sexpartite Ribbed Vault, Showing Two Compartments with the Fillings Complete

Sexpartite vault (or six-part vault), in architecture, is a rib vault divided into six bays by two diagonal…

A Rose window (or Catherine window) is often used as a generic term applied to a circular window, but is especially used for those found in churches of the Gothic architectural style and being divided into segments by stone mullions and tracery. The name "rose window" was not used before the 17th century and according to the Oxford English Dictionary, among other authorities, comes from the English flower name rose.

Rose Window, Church of St. Ouen, Rouen

A Rose window (or Catherine window) is often used as a generic term applied to a circular window, but…

La Sainte-Chapelle (English: The Holy Chapel) is a Gothic chapel on the &Icirc;le de la Cit&eacute; in the heart of Paris, France. It is perhaps the high point of the full tide of the rayonnante period of Gothic architecture.

Plan of Sainte Chapelle, Paris

La Sainte-Chapelle (English: The Holy Chapel) is a Gothic chapel on the Île de la Cité…

"...the triangular space comprehended between the outer curve or extrados of an arch, a horizontal line drawn through its apex, and a vertical line through its springing; also, the wall-space between the outer moldings of two arches and a horizontal line or string-course above them, or between these outer moldings and the intrados of another arch rising above and inclosing the two. In medieval architecture the spandrels are often ornamented with tracery, sculptured foliage, and the like." —Whitney, 1889 <p>Illustration of a spandrel from the cloisters at Mont Saint-Michel in France.

Sculptured Spandrel from Mont Saint-Michel

"...the triangular space comprehended between the outer curve or extrados of an arch, a horizontal line…

Illustration of a spire of the Senlis Cathedral in France, early 13th century. It is "one of the earliest of fully developed spires, and is admired for the purity and elegance of its design." &mdash;Whitney, 1889

Spire from the Senlis Cathedral

Illustration of a spire of the Senlis Cathedral in France, early 13th century. It is "one of the earliest…

A church of both Roman and Gothic architectural design. From the wall of the presbytery and extending the height of the first story, is an octagonal projection known as The Choir of St Sebald.

Choir of the Church of St. Sebald

A church of both Roman and Gothic architectural design. From the wall of the presbytery and extending…

St. Sebald is a church of both Roman and Gothic architectural design. On the northern side is the Bride's Door, a work attributed to the fifteenth century. The beauty and the design of this doorway delights us with its various carvings.

Bride's Door at Church of St. Sebald

St. Sebald is a church of both Roman and Gothic architectural design. On the northern side is the Bride's…

"It was in Central France, and mainly along the Loire, that the systematic development of vaulted church architecture began. Naves covered with barrel-vaults, sometimes of pointed section, appear in a number of large churches built during the eleventh and twelfth centuries, with apsidal and transeptal chapels and aisles carried around the apse, as in the imposing church of St. Sernin at Toulouse, in Provence. The thrust of these ponderous vaults was clumsily resisted by half-barrel vaults over the side aisles, transmitting the strain to massive side-walls."

Plan of St. Sernin, Toulouse

"It was in Central France, and mainly along the Loire, that the systematic development of vaulted church…

View of man striking the Christmas chimes at the Cathedral of St. Stephen, also called Stephansdom, stands in the heart of old Vienna.

Striking the Christmas Chimes at St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna

View of man striking the Christmas chimes at the Cathedral of St. Stephen, also called Stephansdom,…

The Cathedral of St. Stephen, also called Stephansdom, stands in the heart of old Vienna. The Cathedral is considered a work of Gothic art, and boosts of a beautiful carved pulpit. So that the local language sermon could be better heard by the worshipers before microphones and loud speakers, the pulpit stands against a pillar out in the nave, instead of in the chancel at the front of the church.

St. Stephen's Cathedral Pulpit

The Cathedral of St. Stephen, also called Stephansdom, stands in the heart of old Vienna. The Cathedral…

The cathedral of Strasbourg is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Strasbourg, France. The church was erected by the bishop St. Argobast of the Strasbourg Diocese during the end of the 7th century. It is designed in a Gothic style with some parts in a Romanesque style. Today the church is the 6th tallest church in the world.

Cathedral of Strasbourg

The cathedral of Strasbourg is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Strasbourg, France. The church…

Strassburg Cathedral is classed among the most magnificent examples of Gothic architecture. It was begun in 1015, the work of Erwin of Steinbach, and finished in 1601. After the death of Erwin of Steinbach, the work was continued by his son and his daughter Sabina. It was completed by John Stultz of Cologne.

Strassburg Cathedral

Strassburg Cathedral is classed among the most magnificent examples of Gothic architecture. It was begun…

A reconstructed street corner scene of a house and store during the fourteenth century located in Perigueux and Warwick.

Gothic Street Corner

A reconstructed street corner scene of a house and store during the fourteenth century located in Perigueux…

The tracery on the windows of La Sainte-Chapelle, in Paris, France shows foliations: a leaf pattern common in Gothic architecture. "Foliations in Tracery. Sainte Chapelle, Paris, A. D. 1240." -Whitney, 1911

Tracery Foliations

The tracery on the windows of La Sainte-Chapelle, in Paris, France shows foliations: a leaf pattern…

"Flamboyant Tracery, Rouen Cathedral, Normandy" showing the intersecting ribs of tracery in windows of Gothic architecture. -Whitney, 1911

Tracery of Rouen Cathedral

"Flamboyant Tracery, Rouen Cathedral, Normandy" showing the intersecting ribs of tracery in windows…

A Gothic architectural window tracery commonly used during the fourteenth century. These windows were made out of stone, and usually had stained glasses.

Large Gothic Window Tracery

A Gothic architectural window tracery commonly used during the fourteenth century. These windows were…

A Gothic tracery window made of stone, and commonly found in Gothic architecture during the fourteenth century.

Small Gothic Window Tracery

A Gothic tracery window made of stone, and commonly found in Gothic architecture during the fourteenth…

The Nave of Bourges Cathedral in France showing the sexpartite vaulting, divided into six parts.

Sexpartite Vaulting

The Nave of Bourges Cathedral in France showing the sexpartite vaulting, divided into six parts.

A: Penetrations by small semi-circular vaults sprung from same level. B: Intersection by small semicircular vault sprung from higher level; groins form wavy line. C: Intersection by narrow pointed vault sprung from same level; groins are plane curves.

Vaults, Penetrations and Intersections

A: Penetrations by small semi-circular vaults sprung from same level. B: Intersection by small semicircular…

Examples of Gothic architecture in Venice, Italy: St. Mark's and the Doge's palace.

Venice Architecture

Examples of Gothic architecture in Venice, Italy: St. Mark's and the Doge's palace.

The gothic architecture of Westminster Abbey, the great church in London, England.

Westminster Abbey

The gothic architecture of Westminster Abbey, the great church in London, England.

A Gothic architecture oriel window at Cantilupe chantry house from the fourteenth century. An oriel window is a bay window where the window extend out of the wall.

Gothic Oriel Window

A Gothic architecture oriel window at Cantilupe chantry house from the fourteenth century. An oriel…

The window from Newarke Gateway at Leicester illustrating typical architectural ornamentation during the fourteenth century. On both sides of the window, there are two faces, a man and a woman on either side.

Newarke Gateway Leicester Window

The window from Newarke Gateway at Leicester illustrating typical architectural ornamentation during…