Anglo-Saxon architecture
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Anglo-Saxon architecture was a period in the history of architecture in England, and parts of Wales, from the mid-5th century until the Norman Conquest of 1066.
There are few remains of Anglo-Saxon architecture, with no secular work remaining above ground. At least fifty churches are of Anglo-Saxon origin, with many more claiming to be, although in some cases the Anglo-Saxon part is small and much-altered.
Distinctive features of Anglo-Saxon architecture include rough brickwork, extremely thick walls and mostly arch windows, with a few square- or triangular-headed windows. Particularly in earlier examples, reused Roman work is common. The vast majority of buildings were wooden, but only a single example survives.
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Seventh century
The earliest surviving Anglo-Saxon architecture dates from the 7th century. Church designs at the time differed between the north, part of the Celtic Church, and the south, controlled by the Roman Catholic Church.
- St Peter and St Paul Church, Canterbury, Kent (c. 600)
- St Peter-on-the-Wall, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex (654)
- Ripon Cathedral crypt (circa 670)
- All Saints' Church, Brixworth, Northamptonshire (c. 675)
- Jarrow church, Northumberland (c. 675)
- Monkwearmouth church, Northumberland (c. 675)
- Escomb church, County Durham (c. 680)
- All Saints' Church, Earls Barton, Northamptonshire
- St Laurence's Church, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
Eighth, ninth and tenth centuries
Very little survives from the 8th and 9th centuries, due to the regular Viking raids.
- St Wystan's church, Repton, Derbyshire (crypt c. 750, chancel walls ninth century)
- St Oswald's Priory Church, Gloucester, Gloucestershire (c. 890)
- St Mary's Priory Church, Deerhurst, Gloucestershire (c. 930)
- St Mary & St Aethelflaed's Abbey Church, Romsey, Hampshire (c. 1000)
Eleventh century
The 11th century saw the first appearance of the Romanesque style appear in Britain. Many cathedrals were constructed, including Westminster Abbey, although all these were rebuilt by the Normans after 1066.
- Greensted Church, Essex (1013, the oldest wooden church in the world)
- Stow Church, Lincolnshire (c. 1040 with a small part surviving from 975)
- St Mary's Church, Sompting, West Sussex (c. 1050, with a unique Rhenish helm spire)
- Odda's Chapel, Deerhurst, Gloucestershire (1056)
External link
- Anglo-Saxon architecture on Britain Express (http://www.britainexpress.com/architecture/saxon.htm)