19TH AND 20TH CENTURY ARCHITECTURE IN GREAT BRITAIN

GREAT BRITAIN

• Is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean of the north-Westcoast Continental Europe, consisting of the countries England, Scotland, and Wales.

• The earliest known name of Great Britain in Alboin (Latin, Albus which means white referring to the white cliffs of Dover)

GEOGRAPHY

• The geography of England consists of lowland terrain, with mountainous terrain north-west of the Tee-Exe line.

• The geography of Scotland is distinguished by the very large mountainous regions in the north and lowlands in the south

• The geography of Wales and Ireland is mostly mountainous.

Geographical Influences on Architecture

• England-Limestone, Sandstone, Flint, and Brick

• Scotland-Granite, Sandstone, Whinestone (Basalt)

• Wales -Slate, Limestone & Sandtone, Granite & Filedstone

Industrial Revolution (1760-1840)

• From hand production to machines → rapid urban growth.

• Rise of industrial buildings and factories.

• New materials: Cast iron, steel, glass.

CLIMATIC

Regional Climate Patterns

• South-East: Cold winters, warm and dry summers.

• South-West: Mild & wet winters, warm & wet summers.

• North-West: Mild winters, cool summers, heavy rain year-round.

• North-East: Cold winters, cool summers, steady rain year-round

Rainfall

• West: High rainfall, especially in Wales and Scotland.

• East: Generally drier.

Coastal Areas

• Strong winter winds from the surrounding (e.g.,Cornwall, Scottish highlands).

BACKGROUND AND EVENTS

Regency Period (1811-1820)

• The Regency period began in 1811, when King George III was deemed unfit to rule Britain, and his son George, the Prince of Wales, took over as Prince Regent. It wasn’t until King George III died in 1820 that the Regency period ended.

• The early churches, falling into the Regency period, show strict Greek Revival buildings, mixed with those continuing the modified Baroque and Roman Neoclassical traditions. Reflected “Classical Revival” style, heavily influenced by Greek and Roman

Late Georgian Period (1820-1830)

• The Georgian period runs from 1713, the year of George I's accession, to 1830, when George died.

• The term ‘late Georgian’ is often used to describe the art sand architecture of the reign of Willian IV, but after he died in 1837 the term Victorian is used.

• The early churches, falling into the Georgian period, show a high proportion of Gothic Revival building, along with classical inspired.

• William IV period (1837-1901), the predominant church architectural style considered “late Georgian, which meant a continuation of the Neoclassical style with some influence from the earlier Georgian period

Victorian Britain (1837-1901)

• The period of Queen Victoria’s reign was from 1837-1901.

• Many churches were built in England during the reign of Queen Victoria; most were various varieties of Gothic Revival churches.

• The Gothic Revival was popular throughout the world but it is a combination of factors in England and Wales that led to what was known as the Victorian Restoration.

• The later Victorian era saw the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement and churches of this period returned to toothless flamboyant styles of early nineteenth-century

Edwardian Era (1901-1910)

• The dominant church architectural style was Neo-Baroque, characterized by elaborate decoration, large-scale features like domes and towers

• This period was relatively short and heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement

World War I (1914-1918)

• The Church of England, war was heavily supported

• They felt that it was their duty to pray for soldiers because they needed the grace of God

World War II (1938-1945)

• Many churches in Britain were damaged and destroyed by air raids (ex: Coventry Cathedral)

Post War Britain

• Period of social democracy, economic prosperity, and cultural renewal that followed the WWII

• After WWII, in Britain, the dominant syle for newly built churches was “Modernist” or “Contemporary” Architecture

Coventry Cathedral

• First was St, Mary’s - a monastic building from 1102-1539, of which only a few ruins remain

• Second was St. Michaels, a 14th-century Gothic Church designated as a cathedral in 1918

• Third - consecrated in 1962, is the new St. Michael’s Cathedral, built next to the ruins of St. Michael’s

TERMINOLOGIES

Classical Revival

• Stucco-covered brick facades -Stucco is applied over brickwork to create a smooth, uniform surface that could be shaped and decorated

• Fluted Columns-columns with shallow grooves, called flutes, carved into the surface of the shaft.

• Friezes -decorative horizontal bands, often found on walls, columns, or ceilings

Neoclassicism

• Columns and Pilasters-Doric, Ionic or Corinthian, framing entrances or supporting pediments

• Pediments- classical triangular gables, sometimes with sculptural reliefs

• Tower or Cupola-many Georgian churches had square or octagonal towers, sometimes topped with domes or lanterns

Gothic Revival

• Pointed Arches-used in doorways, windows, and arcades Flying Buttresses- external support allowing for taller walls and large stained-glass windows RibbedVaults-groin or fan vaults in ceilings

SOCIAL

• During the 19th century, particularly known as the “VictorianEra” , was prominent in how swiftly they industrialized. Great Britain started to shift towards becoming urban. However, Great Britain saw a massive rise in pollution, child labor, and poverty. During the Victorian Era, society Great Britain was still divided into four classes: upper, middle, lower, and upper.

Class Divisions

• Upper Class: Royals, lords, and wealthy landowners.

• MiddleClass:Expanded(Bourgeoisie)due to economic growth.

• LowerClass: Unskilled workers in poor ,inhumane conditions.

• Underclass: Dependent on charity; many women turned to prostitution.

Early 20th century began with societal advancement. Until World WarI (1914-1918),a global war that resulted in more than 2. million British fatalities. In 1913, “Home Rule” for Ireland was suggested. The Easter Rising of 1916 and later conflicts resulted in the division of Ireland (1921).

The Great Depression

• Years between the wars were characterized by economic difficulties, such as the Great Depression.

• Britain was important in achieving the Allied victory in 1915.

• The post-war era introduced major social changes, National Health Service (NHS) in 1948.

POLITICAL

19th century

• Institutionalized bureaucracy expanded with acts like the 1835 Municipal Corporations Act and 1883 Factory Act.

• The 1834 Poor Law emphasized self-reliance, blending utilitarian and evangelical ideals. Education and factory performances introduced new bureaucratic expertise.

• Liberalpoliciesunderleaders like William Gladstone promoted individual responsibility and moral governance, though challenges like the Irish Potato Famine revealed complexities.

20th century

• Conservatism emphasized protecting middle and upper- class interests and resisting socialism.

• The Conservative Party (est. 1834), led by figures like Benjamin Disraeli, upheld private ownership, robust military presence, and traditional cultural values.

• During the interwar era, conservatism resisted socialism and adopted appeasement policies in the 1930s.

• Recent challenges include internal disagreements, notably over Brexit, prompting debates about the party's future direction.

ARCHITECTURAL INFLUENCES

19th

• Gothic Revival - an architectural style that drew its inspiration from medieval architecture.

• Neoclassical and Regency styles - influenced by ancient Greek and Roman architecture.

• Arts and Crafts -rooted in medieval craftsmanship and a reaction against industrialization

20th

• Neo-Baroque and Edwardian-derived from 17th-18thcentury Baroque

• Modernism- influenced by Bauhaus, Le Corbusier, and industrial materials, focusing on function over decoration

ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER

19th

• GothicRevival–Pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, stained glass, and medieval ornamentation.

• Neoclassical & Regency–Symmetry, columns (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian), pediments, and stucco-covered facades.

• Arts and Crafts–Handcrafted details, natural materials, exposed wood and stone,and integration with the landscape.

20th

• Neo-Baroque & Edwardian – Grand domes, sculptural facades, rich decoration, and dramatic use of light.

• Modernism–Minimalist design, open spaces, materials (concrete, steel, glass) , abstract stained glass, and functional layouts.

NOTABLE ARCHITECTS IN THE 19TH CENTURY

Sir CharlesBarry (1795-1860)

• A prominent English architect, renowned for his significant contributions to 19th-century architecture.

• His architectural style was heavily infused with Italian influence later on known as Anglo-Italian Years passed by, and, alongside with Augustus Pugin, successfully built the house of parliament with neo-Gothic inspirations

Joseph Aloysius Hansom (1803-1882)

• He was born in 1803 into a Catholic family in York, England

• He was an English Architect who built 20churches, two cathedrals, six schools or convents, and other projects in a the span of 13 years. This includes the Birmingham Town Hall, St. Walburge’s Cathedral, and Arundel Cathedral.

• He was renowned for his Gothic Revival style

Augustus Pugin (1812-1852)

• Son of Architect Agustus Charles Pugin was an English architect, designer, author, theorist, and leading figure in the English Roman Catholic and Gothic revivals.

• Throughout his multiple works, specifically the St. Agustine’s Church, and the National Grange, you can see his specialization in gothic styles

RobertSmirke(1780-1867)

• He was an English architect and one of the leaders of Greek revival architecture.

• He was a pioneer in using both concrete and cast iron.

• He was an innovator through the use of quantity surveyors to rationalize the various 18th-century systems of estimating and measuring building work

NOTABLE ARCHITECTS IN THE 20TH CENTURY

Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944)

• was a prominent English architect in the 20th century, famously known for his resourcefulness and range of architectural styles.

• Early on in his career, his style was mainly influenced by local Surrey buildings. However, after meeting Gertrude Jekyll, a landscape gardener, his style became more suited to contemporary domestic architecture.

• As such, his most notable work is the Rashtrapati Bhavan, located in new Delhi, which is the office residence of the president of India.

SirFredrickGibbered(1908-1984)

• Sir Frederick Gibberd born in 1908 was a renowned British architect, urban planner, and designer, known for his modernist approach to architecture.

• Throughout his career, he designed a variety of significant buildings and urban projects, blending functionality with innovative design.

JohnFrancisBentley(1839-1902)

• Bentley was born in Doncaster, Yorkshire

• He is widely recognized as the best Catholic architect ofhis time.

• Bentley's most outstanding architectural project was the Byzantine Revival Roman Catholic Westminster Cathedral (Cathedral of the most PreciousBlood) in London.

Richard GilbertScott (1931-2017)

• He was a prominent British architect, known for his modernist and innovative approach to architecture.

• He was known for designing buildings that combined contemporary elements with classical features, especially in the context of sensitive historic sites.

NOTABLE BUILDING/ STRUCTURES

St. Giles Cheadle Staffordshire

• Built in the 1800s and designed by Augustine Pugin, this stunning structure features a gilded interior with intricate artistry.

• Pugin's design aimed to reconnect the English with their spiritual heritage and create a fitting space for worship, following the ancient Sarum Rite.

• Plan: St . Giles' Church follows a traditional cruciform (cross-shaped) layout, typical of Gothic churches

• Ornaments: The church's interior is adorned with Pugin's signature touches, including stained glass windows, encaustic tiles, and highly decorative fittings, all designed to evoke the grandeur of medieval English churches.

• Facade: Showcases Gothic Revival style with a soaring central spire, pointed arch entrance, ornate tracery windows, decorative buttresses, and intricate stone carvings, all crafted in local sandstone to evoke medieval ecclesiastical grandeur.

St.Walburge, Preston, Lancashire

• Designed by architect Joseph Hansom and completed in 1854.

• St. Walburge's is a prime example of mid-19th-century urban Catholic architecture. Listed as a GradeI structure in 1950, it features intricate French Gothic design and is the largest non-cathedral Catholic church in the UK, with a capacity of 1,000 people.

• Plan: The church features a traditional cruciform layout with a spacious nave, transepts, and a chancel.

• The interior is designed to accommodate approximately 1,000 worshippers, making it one of the largest non-cathedral Catholic churches in the UK.

• Facade: The west front is distinguished by a large rose window and intricate stone carvings. The most striking feature is the309-foot (94m) limestone spire, added in 1867, which is the tallest of any parish church in England and serves as a prominent landmark in Preston

• Ornament: Inside, the church boasts a hammer-beam roof adorned with 24 life-size painted statues of saints.

• The sanctuary houses finely carved altars and the original Victorian stained glass, crafted by renowned makers Mayer, Hardman, and Maycock, illuminates the space with vibrant colors.

WestministerCathedral

• Designed by Architect John Francis Bentley.

• Completed in 1903

• Exemplifies his core principles of sound construction, vibrant color, fine materials, and exquisite detail throughout.

• Its striking design, featuring a soaring spire, ornate tracery windows, and intricate stone carvings, evoke a strong emotional response and stand testament to Pugin's dedication to authentic medieval craftsmanship.

• Plan: The Cathedral's layout is cruciform, featuring a central nave, sanctuary, crypt, and twelve individual chapels. The nave is covered by a domical vault with three bays, flanked by narrow aisles and high galleries above. This design allows for a spacious interior reminiscent of early Christian basilicas.

• Facade: The exterior is distinguished by its use of redbrick and white Portland stone, creating a striking striped pattern.

• The west front features a grand entrance with a deeply recessed arch, above which is a large rose window. The façade is further adorned with intricate stone carvings and decorative arches, contributing to its imposing presence.

• Ornament: Inside, the cathedral boasts over 100different varieties of marble sourced from 24 countries, making it the most marble-decorated interior in England. The extensive use of mosaics, many of which were crafted for 100 years, adds to the rich ornamentation. These mosaics depict various religious scenes and figures, contributing to the Cathedral's vibrant and sacred atmosphere.

Christ the King, Plymouth Devon

• Designed by architect Sir Frederick Gibberd

• Construction began in 1962 and was completed in 1967 as an auxiliary church to Plymouth Cathedral.

• Plan: The church features a traditional layout with a nave, aisles, and a sanctuary, reflecting a simplified Gothic style with Italianate influences.

• Facade: The exterior is constructed from sandstone brick, presenting an unobtrusive yet pleasing appearance.

• Ornament: The interior is characterized by its simplicity and lightness, with carefully crafted details contributing to a cohesive and serene atmosphere.