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Romanesque and Gothic Architecture: Lincoln and Durham Cathedrals
Introduction
The development of European architecture in the medieval times was characterized by continuous shifts in perceptions. They can be seen in the change from the Romanesque to the Gothic style that included the replacement of specific elements allowing to make the structures look lighter and more spacious (Seeley, 2017). The difference in architects preferences of the two periods under consideration is reflected mostly in churches as the most important buildings of the time. The comparison of Durham Cathedral and Lincoln Cathedral as examples of Romanesque and Gothic movements accordingly will reveal the dependence of the needs of the time on the artists perspectives on construction. Therefore, the paper aims to present the historical, technological, and stylistic differences in the architectural movements based on these churches.
Durham Cathedral
The first building is Durham Cathedral, and it presents an example of a Romanesque church in England. Its construction started in 1093 and was completed within forty years, and this time was the heyday of this architectural style ( Architecture, n.d.). Hence, it can be viewed as one of the most known structures of this movement on the territory of the country. The building surrounded by the River Wear from three sides and with a gorge on the west was built on the peninsula, and this fact adds to the considerations of safety ( Architecture, n.d.). Hence, Durham Cathedral reflects not only the architectural thought of the period but also includes historical considerations.
Lincoln Cathedral
The second church is Lincoln Cathedral, and it belongs to the Gothic architectural style. This building was initially constructed in 1072 but destroyed multiple times ( Lincoln Cathedral, n.d.). This fact allows one to attribute it to this movement even though the process of its creation officially started in the Romanesque period (Seeley, 2017). The church is located in the center of the city with the same name, and it is famous for being used for various movies ( Lincoln Cathedral, n.d.). Thus, due to its popularity and the presence of particular characteristics indicating its belonging to the Gothic movement, it would be an excellent object for comparison with the selected structure from the Romanesque style.
Historical Contributions and Associations
The first parameter used for this purpose is the contributions of the two buildings to the countrys history and associations. From this point of view, they represent the difference in architectural masterpieces perceptions and their seeming connection to specific events. Therefore, Durham Cathedrals location reflects the needs related to the safety of both the church and medieval monks, and they are reflected in the still existing tradition of locking the doors every night ( Architecture, n.d.). In contrast to it, the historical underpinning of Lincoln Cathedral demonstrates its central place in the city life rather than serving as a shelter for religious people ( Lincoln Cathedral, n.d.). Hence, the principal difference between these two structures is their historical purpose and association.
Response to Political and Social Circumstances
Even though Lincoln Cathedral and Durham Cathedral are located in the same country, their roles in the political and social spheres of life were different. The former experienced a significant influence from the change of rulers in England that made its building process quite hectic. Therefore, the reconstruction initiated by Bishop Hugh and the decisions of Henry III to enlarge the church reflected the societal perspectives and politics of the period ( Lincoln Cathedral, n.d.). The latter, in turn, remained relatively intact apart from the continuous construction works and unaffected by such events ( Architecture, n.d.). This fact adds to another difference between these architectural objects.
Technology and Building Mechanisms
The churches technological specificities and their building mechanisms imply the presence of significant limitations related to time and technology. Thus, the erection of Durham Cathedral demonstrated the excellent use of Norman craftsmanship, which was simple and reliable, with the only downside being the location by the river ( Architecture, n.d.). As for Lincoln Cathedral, it incorporated more elaborate technological solutions while being continuously exposed to natural disasters that represented the principal difficulties ( Lincoln Cathedral, n.d.). Thus, both churches were characterized by specific drawbacks related to their location.
Stylistic Make-Up Reflecting the Place and Time
The appearance of the objects reflects the place and the time of their construction, and this characteristic presents another difference between them. Lincoln Cathedral was rebuilt several times but still saved such distinctive Gothic features as ribbed vaults and flying buttresses ( Lincoln Cathedral, n.d.). In contrast to it, Durham Cathedral possessed the unique Romanesque attributes including rounded arches and vaults ( Architecture, n.d.). Therefore, since the two architectural structures were situated in the same country, the varying characteristics of their make-up are related solely to stylistic decisions typical for the movements.
Conclusion
By and large, Lincoln Cathedral and Durham Cathedral are excellent examples of Gothic and Romanesque architectural movements in England accordingly. They possess distinguishing features of the place and the time of construction and differ in their historical contributions, political and social factors, and technological and stylistic solutions. Thus, it can be concluded that the buildings of the Gothic movements were more involved in the societal and political aspects of life, whereas the structures of the Romanesque period were less flexible and more practical.
References
Architecture of Durham Cathedral. (n.d.). Durham Cathedral. 2020, Web.
Lincoln Cathedral. (n.d.). Famous Historic Buildings. 2020, Web.
Seeley, B. (2017). Difference between Romanesque art & Gothic art. Our Pastimes. Web.
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