December 28: Westminster Abbey Consecrated

2013-12-28On 28 December 1065, Westminster Abbey was consecrated by Edward the Confessor. After being consecrated, King Edward died only seven days later and was entombed in front of the high alter in the church. Today, formally titled the Collegiate Church of St. Peter at Westminster London, it was the first church in England built in the Norman Romanesque style.

The Romanesque style was characterized by the numerous semi-circles used in the design and was an architectural style of medieval Europe, which is a combination of Roman and Byzantine buildings at the time. This style is known for the size and quality put into the design of the buildings with thick walls, round arches, sturdy piers, large towers, and decorative arcading.

The church survived for more than two centuries, until in the mid thirteen century when King Henry III decided to re-build the church with the new Gothic style architecture.

Gothic architecture originated on the 12th century in France and lasted till almost the 16th century. This same style is used on many castles, palaces, town halls, and universities and many did this because it expressed power in the buildings.

Then, in 1540, Henry VIII gained control and ordered Westminster Abbey changed to the status of a cathedral. The church only remained a cathedral for 10 years. Eventually it was restored back into a Gothic revival design.

Cathedral architecture does its best to follow a specific category of form, function, and style which was started in the Constantinian period. Their designs were made to large scale and only work on by accomplished craftsmen.
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–Eric Willetts

Photo Caption: Edward the Confessor


Meet the Author

Eric Willetts is a student at Schoolcraft College

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