Anglo Saxon Architecture

Anglo Saxon architecture refers to the style of construction that was used by the Anglo Saxons in Britain from their arrival in Britain during the 5th century until the Norman invasion of England in the 11th century.

Anglo Saxon History

During this period, Anglo Saxons constructed a large number of secular as well as ecclesiastical buildings. While the secular buildings constructed by the Anglo Saxons were rather simple, their style of architecture is well reflected in the ecclesiastical buildings built by them, few of which are extant to this day.

Anglo Saxon Architecture The Stow Minster

The Stow Minster Church in Lincolnshire dates back to 1040 and features some of the tallest arches used in Anglo Saxon architecture.

Secular Anglo Saxon Architecture

The secular buildings constructed by the Anglo Saxons had a relatively simple architecture. They usually comprised of timber posts used as boundary walls upon which was supported a large thatched roof. A distinct feature of secular Anglo Saxon buildings was the sizable town hall which was a regular part of most Anglo Saxon towns and a focal point of the community.

Anglo Saxon England

Ecclesiastical Anglo Saxon Architecture

Ecclesiastical Anglo Saxon architecture has a more complex history. Anglo Saxons constructed a large number of ecclesiastical buildings and since some of these buildings are all that remain of the Anglo Saxon architecture, they tend to define the style of the Anglo Saxons.

Odda%27s Chapel%2C Deerhurst geograph.org.uk 1729824

Early Anglo-Saxon churches were built with influences from the local Roman and Celtic populations. Anglo-Saxon buildings of this period typically included a basilica. The use of a tower accompanying the building of a Church or parish is also one of the regular features of Anglo Saxon architecture.

1024px St Peters Chapel

Anglo-Saxon Architecture Facts

  • Anglo Saxon architecture was recognizable by double triangular windows, herringbone stonework, the use of quoins, and round-arched windows in buildings.
  • Anglo Saxon architecture origins came from the Germanic tribes of Angles and Saxons who began arriving in the British Isles during the 5th century.
  • Anglo Saxon architecture dates from the 5th century until the 11th century.
  • Anglo Saxon architecture was influenced by Romano-Celtic architecture in the 5th and 6th centuries and by Norman architecture towards the 11th century.
  • Anglo Saxon architecture can be seen in different regions of England such as in Oxford, West Sussex, Oxfordshire, and Lincolnshire.
Anglo Saxon Settlements Map

Anglo Saxon settlements in England in the early period of 400-500

From the 8th to 10th centuries, Anglo Saxon architecture blossomed with possible influences from the European mainland such as from the Carolingian Empire. This period is marked by the use of Romanesque elements in Anglo Saxon architecture. However, few buildings of the period are extant today during to the continuous Viking raids on English shores, many of which were aimed at churches in search of precious loot.

Anglo Saxon People

Top 5 Anglo Saxon Architecture

  1. St. Peter-on-the-wall is one of the earliest extant Anglo Saxon buildings and dates back to 654.
  2. The Stow Minster Church in Lincolnshire dates back to 1040 and features some of the tallest arches used in Anglo Saxon architecture.
  3. St. Michael at the North Gate is located in Oxford and is another example of Anglo-Saxon architecture. It dates back to 1040.
  4. St. Nicholas’ Church in West Essex was constructed between 950 and 1050.
  5. Odda’s Chapel in Gloucestershire dates back to 1056, one of the last ecclesiastical buildings constructed by the Anglo Saxons ahead of the 1066 Norman invasion.

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