The Middle Ages saw the rise of Norman architecture, which got its name from its Normandy-based origins. After the Saxon architectural movement and before the Gothic architectural movement, it began in the early 11th century and ended in the 12th. The Normans (or Vikings) who conquered England spread a style of Romanesque architecture known as Norman architecture. Large, impenetrable cathedrals, fortresses, castles, and fortifications emerged as a result of its development.
During this time, the squat, either rectangular or circular, buildings that make up the typical monastery emerged. The renowned abbey Mont-Saint-Michel, for instance, dates back to the Norman era. In fact, village churches to royal cathedrals make up the majority of Norman architecture. The cross-like shape of Norman churches, derived from the Roman basilica pattern, is one of their distinguishing features. Campaniles, or bell towers, were also built next to these churches' main buildings.
The Norman invention that gave rise to the classic medieval castles is also distinctive. They began in Scotland, Ireland, Normandy, and even Italy, in addition to England. However, the combination of Byzantine and Arabic styles with Norman elements resulted in less gloom in Italy.
Romanesque architecture, which originated in Lombardy, Italy, gave rise to Norman architecture. Classic Roman architectural elements like arches, vaults, columns, and arcades are at the heart of Romanesque architecture. The Roman invention of the rounded arch was extensively utilized. Additionally, it utilized a wide range of vault designs. The barrel vault, a curved vault commonly found in cloisters, was the most common type.
Stones were the primary building materials utilized in Norman Architecture, providing the structures with greater stability. During the Norman era, there were no real architectural jobs like mason jobs, so these stones were left uncut. As a result, the large, irregularly shaped stones used to build buildings contributed to their bulky appearance.
Like Roman roofs, Norman ones had vaulted ceilings. Through the use of vaults, weight could be distributed more evenly across the roof. Although some architects used chisels to carve a series of arches into walls, Norman buildings had very little decoration. These were carvings that created the illusion of trompe l'oeil rather than actual arches. Additionally, some architects carved moldings into the surfaces of stone. A small number of architects went so far as to sculpt animals onto reliefs over doorways or tympanums with their chisels. Columns and arches were also minimally decorated. However, ornamentation increased as the Norman movement reached its zenith in the 12th century. The first stained glass windows were made in the 12th century, just before Gothic architecture took hold. This ornamentation eventually reached its peak.
Additionally, Norman architecture is distinguished by its extremely small windows. Large windows were avoided by architects prior to the Gothic movement because they increased the likelihood of a building collapsing. As a result, residents of Norman buildings lived in extremely dim conditions and relied solely on candles for illumination. Large windows that let in a lot of light and gave cathedrals their celestial quality weren't safely installed until the Gothic period.
However, Romanesque and Norman architecture also set new standards by constructing much taller structures like castles and cathedrals, which at the time were Europe's largest structures. These buildings were typically square and were occupied by night watchmen who scoured the landscape for intruders.
To provide the necessary support at these great heights, these taller buildings required walls that were significantly denser. Large columns also provided structural support inside these structures. The Gothic style's introduction of flying buttresses led to a significant thinning of these walls.
Westminster Abbey in London was one of the earliest examples of Norman architecture in England. Even though it is now mostly Gothic, this building was originally built in Norman times. In point of fact, numerous Gothic structures were initially Norman structures that were later enhanced by Gothic architects. On the grounds of the castle and cathedral, there were numerous Norman central towers (keeps). In addition to serving as defense fortresses, these square, thick-walled structures were also used as dungeons. Another final example of Norman architecture is the Tower of London, also known as the White Tower. It was the royal dungeon. It was about 90 feet tall, like all Romanesque buildings at the time. In addition, it had walls that were 15 feet wide and extremely thick to support that height. Like many Romanesque structures, it has the appearance of a fortress.
Gothic architecture was essentially a continuation of Norman architecture and produced magnificent, extremely tall structures. Gothic architecture employed ribbed vaults that were combinations of Norman barrel vaults and pointed arches rather than Norman rounded arches. As a result, Gothic architecture as we know it might not have existed if it hadn't been based on Norman architecture.
Most people today immediately associate the idyllic medieval period with the Norman and Romanesque architectural styles. It has been discovered by architects that these cathedrals and castles were actually densely armed fortifications rather than royal residences. In fact, the majority of Norman structures have served as the scene of a great deal of bloodshed and suffering. The dimness of Norman buildings due to their extremely small windows may have contributed to the "Dark Ages," which alternately referred to the Middle Ages.
The Norman architecture of today is not being rebuilt by architects except for purposes of historical reproduction. Furthermore, the Gothic period inspires church builders more than any other architectural style. However, the Norman movement is regarded by the majority of architects as a turning point in architecture. The Norman architectural style first brought back the splendor of classical styles to unprecedented heights. Even though it took place during a dark time, it showed how people wanted to bring human greatness back to life in the way classical architecture showed it. Having influenced the subsequent Renaissance era in large part with this desire was one of Norman Architecture's legacy.
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