Lancashire

Churches

The development of English church architecture over the centuries

Click the style for more information

SAXON c.650 - c.1050

NORMAN c. 1050 - c.1200

EARLY ENGLISH c.1175 - c.1275

DECORATED c.1250 - c.1350

PERPENDICULAR c.1350 - c.1530

EARLY RENAISSANCE c.1530 - c.1690

BAROQUE c.1690 - c.1720

GEORGIAN c.1720 - c.1790

REGENCY c.1790 - c.1830

VICTORIAN c.1830 - c.1900

MODERN c.1900 - present

The purpose of this section is to illustrate the main features of the recognised periods in English church architecture, and to encourage an appreciation of the changes that came about over time. No attempt is made to outline the historical or religious changes that influenced these developments. Visitors are encouraged to refer the recommended books for a fuller understanding of these aspects. The descriptions are concise and illustrated by photographs from predominantly less well known churches.

The main periods in the development of English church architecture are shown above. The dates for each style are approximations: change always came about through gradual transition. Furthermore, the time at which this happened varied from one part of the country to another.

Note that all locations refer to the pre-1974 counties. For the reasons why this matters go to

the Association of British Counties (ABC).

St Botolph, Boston, Lincs

A stellar Perpendicular lierne vault 137 feet above the base of the tower.

St Oswald, Horton-in-Ribbles., W R Yorks

Of Norman origins with a Perpendicular tower, overlooked by Penyghent.

Holy Angels, Hoar Cross, Staffs

A masterly church of 1872-76 in the Decorated style by George Bodley.

Photographs and text © Tony Boughen