England, as one of the most ancient countries, has made a significant contribution to global architecture. An incredible number of historical monuments on the territory of the state makes a huge impression on tourists.
Mystical Stonehenge
The prehistoric period of architecture in England is associated with places of worship, the most famous of which is the famous Stonehenge. The mystical monument is a complex of stone blocks placed in the middle of the Salisbury Plain. The megalithic structure, which appeared before our era, was originally a ring-shaped shaft surrounded by a deep moat. Multi-ton boulders are made of calcareous sandstone.
Inside the man-made circle stood 30 stones, inferior in size to the outer boulders, and in the center there was a so-called altar - a monolith, whose weight exceeded 30 tons. Scientists believe that the unique structure is the oldest observatory that appeared in the Stone Age.
Hadrian's Wall
In addition, many attractions date back to the period when the BritishRoman mercenaries appeared on the territory, building military settlements and roads. For several hundred years they built defensive fortifications, and some of them are partially preserved. Hadrian's Wall is an outstanding ancient monument that has become a symbol of the dominance of the Roman Empire. The mysterious wall of peat and stone is an example of engineering art.
Famous Tower
When it comes to the architecture of England during the Middle Ages, we can confidently say that the main delights of architecture were embodied in the construction of churches. However, after the capture of the country by the Normans, a new style appears - Romanesque. And the Tower of London is recognized as its brightest representative. A large defensive structure has played an important role in the history of the state for several centuries. Built on the orders of William the Conqueror, it is a four-story tower, which can only be reached by an attached staircase. No matter how many uprisings against alien invaders, the British have never been able to take the Tower by storm.
Romanesque style is heavy structures with high towers and small windows. It has long sunk into oblivion, and the strict outlines of stone castles inspire modern architects who borrow various elements.
Gothic
The Gothic style that swept Europe came to England quite late - in the middle of the XII century, when the Angevin and Norman provinces joined the country. For more than three hundred years, it remained the most popular style of architecture in England, which emphasizedthe insignificance of a person before the Lord, and it is no coincidence that this style was most often used in religious buildings - cathedrals. The elongated pointed buildings with lancet arches and huge windows decorated with colored stained-glass windows still arouse admiration. And their inner space struck with an abundance of light, which caused an emotional shock among believers.
A bright representative of medieval Gothic
Salisbury Cathedral is a perfect example of the gothic style of England. The architecture of the stunningly beautiful building, built for about 40 years, is distinguished by its grandeur and perfection of execution of the plan. An amazing creation of human hands, the lines of which emphasize the aspiration to heaven, is famous for the highest spire in the state. Located on the outskirts of the city, it is the oldest religious monument. Surprisingly, a very complex clock mechanism, which appeared at the end of the 14th century, is built into the walls of the temple.
Salisbury Cathedral won the hearts of tourists with its grandeur, and the luxurious interior decoration leaves no one indifferent. A bright representative of the Gothic architecture of England, he still receives parishioners.
Classicism
Following the Gothic style comes classicism, which appeared in those countries where capitalism was born. He carried the features of bourgeois ideology. The rationalistic approach to assessing the surrounding world was transferred to art, including architecture. The style is characterized by clear proportions, simplicity, repeating lines, discreet decor.
Classicism in the architecture of England appeared at the beginning of the 17th century, and the Banqueting House, which has been perfectly preserved to this day, is recognized as an example of this style. The building, which delights with ideal proportions, was intended for ceremonial receptions. The majestic bunk building fully reflects English traditions. The top floor is decorated with Doric and Ionic pilasters, while the bottom floor is decorated with a relief inlay.
For a long time the mansion was a model for all architects in England.
Mixing styles
After the Stuarts ascended the throne, uniting Scotland and England into a single Britain, a significant turning point took place in architecture in the 17th century. The country, which was an important center of European architecture, is catching up with other states in its development. Graceful buildings, in which the features of classicism and baroque are skillfully intertwined, become models for buildings in other countries. During this period, none of the styles of architecture in England exists in its pure form.
Religious site
The most recognizable landmark in London is St. Paul's Cathedral. It is curious that not a single building in the city can be higher than the delightful building of the Renaissance. The visiting card of the capital of the country often appears on advertising tourist brochures. The cathedral, which appeared on the site of the burnt temple, according to the inhabitants, ex alted the glory of the city. It is made in a mixed baroque-classical style.
Tall, 111-meter dome of a religious landmarkrests on eight columns, and the walls are designed to be very thick to support the roof. In addition, the vault of the temple is reinforced with outer stone semi-arches - flying buttresses.
An important detail of the symbol of London is the western facade, which is a two-tiered portico, the levels of which are supported by twin columns. Towers rise from its two sides, and a clock is placed in one of them.
New style born in England
According to researchers, the 17th century was a period of apprenticeship for the architecture of England, and in the 18th century, when the country enters the world stage, art takes first place. The new ruling class, which saw its ideals in the culture of Ancient Rome, again turns to the classics.
However, architects understand that the established rules limit creativity, preventing the idea from being realized. Classical creations are being replaced by neoclassical ones. This is how the aesthetic direction was born, which was characterized by an appeal to antiquity.
Antique style palace
Chiswick House is a small summer palace whose owner traveled a lot. The Lord remembered the ruins of Ancient Rome, and when he returned home, he decided to build a mansion in the antique style. An independent work has two staircases, a balustrade, and the facade of the building is divided into a plinth and a portico. All service and utility rooms were located in a small annex, and not in the main building.
It is curious that each of the stones decorating the facade was covered with a specialcarvings that looked like wormholes. In the entire external appearance of the palace, elements of antiquity are noticeable: columns with human faces, bizarre chimneys reminiscent of Egyptian obelisks. A beautiful example of English architecture of the 18th century, after the death of the owner, passed to a new owner and became even more beautiful. An antique bridge and fancy serpentine paths even appeared here.
Neo-Gothic
At the beginning of the 19th century, the ruling elite felt the threat of social tension. The upper strata were afraid of losing control over society. Everywhere there were thoughts of a return to the romantic Middle Ages. All this was reflected in a new direction - Neo-Gothic. However, the architecture of England in the 19th century differs from the architecture of past centuries with the appearance of modern building materials, which provide many opportunities to express one's view of the world. New production processes are being introduced into construction, which leads to a decrease in the role of the architect in the overall process.
Many have protested against such industrialization, and at this time a generation of young and purposeful craftsmen is growing up, combining an individual look and modern materials.
Station, more like a cathedral
St. Pancras Station is not called the "cathedral of the railroads" for nothing. This is a genuine monument of neo-Gothic architecture in England, opened in 1876. The unique work is made of stone, mosaics, steel structures. After completion of construction, the famous landmark is recognized as a national British style.
The station is covered with a glass domelanding stage - the place of arrival and departure of trains. The facade of an unusual masterpiece of architecture is the hotel building, decorated with pseudo-loopholes, tall turrets with sharp spiers and arcades. Neo-Gothic is replete with a large number of decorative elements. The bright red brick building was inspired by an English medieval cathedral.
The main feature of modern English architecture is the continuity of styles. Young talented architects who embrace innovation always honor the country's historical traditions.
