Gothic Revival In England

This style flourished from 1810 to 1900 and it is one of the most influential styles of the 19th century. The designs were based on the forms and patterns from the Middle Ages and it was combined with the romantic version of Medieval chivalry. 

Here is just something I found about the Gothic Revival in England in the book called The Catedrals of Britain by L. D. Edwards...

Gradually, however, an interest in 'Gothic' architecture arose along with the assumption that the Middle Ages could do with imrpvement. A manual for architects was "Gothic Architecture Improved by Rules and Proportions" by Batty Langley (1742). Although the chief architects who were reckoned to know about old churches, James Essex and James Wyatt, did not know much they were able to impose their schemes on even more ignorant clergymen. Often the resaults were lamentable, as were some attempts to fill medieval windows with pictures which would have been better on canvas.  The nave of the Norwich Cathedral is almost spoiled by the huge west window of 1854.

- Edwards D. L.  (1989) The Catedrals of Britain  (pages 63/64)  Pitkin Unichrome, Andover Hampshire 

Norwitch Cathedral, west window

Artist: George Caleb Hedgeland

19th century

(source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Hedgeland)

Almost 100 years were to pass before the Commissioners made a more satisfactory deal with the cathedrals, retaining their estates but supporting a dean and two canons and contributing to the general expenses. That was the setting in which the Victorian renewal of the cathedrals was slowly accomplished. 

.....

Gothic revival in Britain is well worth telling. Much of the early work which attempted to contionue or revive medieval traditions was of poor quality; the little chapel of 1813 which became the core of the Roman Catholic cathedral in Edinburgh was one example. 

- Edwards D. L.  (1989) The Catedrals of Britain  (pages 64)  Pitkin Unichrome, Andover Hampshire

St Mary's (Roman Catholic) Cathedral, Edinburgh

1813

(source: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/thieves-steal-significant-painting-altar-1874469)

http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/history-of-art/nineteenth-century-architecture.htm
reference found on Feb 1st 2015