GOTHIC

A general term for that style of med iæval architecture of which the pointed arch is the most prominent character. Together with Romanesque (an equally general term for that style of which the round arch is the most prominent character) it comprehends all med iæval ecclesiastical architecture in England. The substyles with their dates may be roughly stated as follows: | Romanesque— | | | Saxon | to 1060 | | Norman | 1066–1145 | | Transition | 1145–1190 | | Gothic— | | | Early English | 1190–1245 | | Geometrical | 1245–1315 | | Decorated | 1315–1360 | | Perpendicular | 1360–1550 | The more minute characteristics must be sought under these several names, and it must be obvious that the accounts given within the small limits we can devote to the subject must be very superficial. The subject may be pursued in a number of works now before the public, as, first in date and not last in importance, Rickman’s “Attempt to distinguish the Styles of Architecture in England,” and last in time, Sharpe’s “Seven Periods of English Architecture.” The same mode of architecture prevailed in Ireland and Scotland, with some characteristic distinctions.