Norman Architecture¶
The term Norman architecture is used to categorize styles of Romanesque architecture developed by the Normans in the various lands under their dominion or influence in the 11th and 12th centuries. In particular the term is traditionally used for English Romanesque architecture. The Normans introduced large numbers of castles and fortifications including Norman keeps, and at the same time monasteries, abbeys, churches and cathedrals in a style characterized by the usual Romanesque rounded arches (particularly over windows and doorways) and especially massive proportions compared to other regional variations of the style.
The Norman arch is a defining point of Norman architecture. Grand archways are designed to evoke feelings of awe and are very commonly seen as the entrance to large religious buildings such as cathedrals.
Many magnificent ecclesiastical and military structures were built in France, England Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Sicily and Malta. Here are a few examples:
England
Ecclesiastical architecture¶
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Oxford Castle 1074: church tower doubles as a place of refuge
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St John's Chapel (c. 1087), Tower of London
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Durham Cathedral (from 1093) was the first to employ a ribbed vault system with pointed arches
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Winchester Cathedral (from 1079)
Military architecture¶
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Colchester Castle, the largest Norman castle built and the first stone Keep in England
Scotland
Ecclesiastical architecture¶
- Dunfermline Abbey, Dunfermline (founded about 1070 by St Margaret ofScotland))
- St Andrew Cathedral (from about 1070)
- St. Margaret's Chapel, Edinburgh Castle (early 12th century)