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Gothic Revival architecture facts for kids

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Oostende Sint-Petrus-en-Pauluskerk R02
Sint-Petrus-en-Pauluskerk in Ostend (Belgium), built between 1899 and 1908
Keble College Chapel Oxford
The college chapel, Keble College, University of Oxford

Gothic Revival architecture is architecture that has been made to look as if it is from medieval times, but is really much later. This architectural style began in the late 1740s in England. Its momentum grew in the early 19th century. Serious and learned admirers of neo-Gothic styles sought to revive medieval Gothic architecture.

The Gothic style of architecture was built in Europe between about 1140 and about 1550. Beginning in late 18th century Europe, through the 19th century and into the early 20th century in Europe and elsewhere there was a fashion to build in the Gothic style. In this period architects and their patrons had various different styles to choose from. There were also revivals of Classical and Renaissance styles. Since medieval Gothic buildings vary so much, some architects often copied selectively from medieval buildings and some adapted the style to the needs of their own period. The "Gothic Revival" style was most commonly used for churches, cathedrals, universities, town halls and sometimes houses.

Gothic Revival buildings have features that are like real Gothic buildings. They often have:

  • Pointed arches round the doors and windows
  • Arched stoned roofs called "vaults"
  • Towers and sometimes also spires on top of towers
  • Many stone-carvings around the doors and fireplaces
  • Stained glass windows

Famous Gothic Revival examples

Strawberry Hill House from garden in 2012 after restoration
Horace Walpole's Strawberry Hill House

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Arquitectura neogótica para niños

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