The Renaissance style
6 Read the texts and answer the questions.
Georgian architecture
The Renaissance style started in England in the middle of the 16th century,
The Renaissance style placed emphasis on symmetry, geometry and
regularity, Columns and domes were typical features, The move toward a
classical style in England was largely the work o f an English architect called
Inigo Jones,
St Paul's Cathedral in London, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, is a
beautiful Renaissance building with a huge dome and two Baroque towers
above a double portico fa~ade, Most of the cathedral is made of stone,
Inside, the visitor is fascinated by its great dimensions and decorations,1 When did the Renaissance style start in England?
2 What did t his style consist of?
3 What is the majority of St Paul's Cathedral made of?
4 What are visitors to St Paul's impressed by?7 Read the text. Which feature is typical of the Georgian style?
The name Georgian comes from the three Georges who ruled Britain between
1714 and 1820, The type of building which most characterises the Georgian
period is the simple but elegant 'Townhouse'. These tall, narrow buildings were
often built in rows called 'terraces'. During the 18th century the population of
urban areas increased considerably. Therefore, there was a need to pack a lot of
houses into a small space and the 'terraces' provided a good solution,The Gothic Revival and Neoclassicism
8 Read the texts and then answer the questions.
Between the middle of the 18 th and 19th centuries, Gothic style returned to British architecture. Often the churches
and manor houses designed according to the new Gothic style were much more decorated than the older originals.
The most important architect and designer during this period was Augustus Pugin, who designed the Houses of
Parliament, situated in the centre of London beside the River Thames. Tower Bridge with its neo-Gothic style towers,
is another famous building in London, built at the end of the 19th century.Neoclassicism became popular both in North America and Europe in the second half of the 18th century. This style
was influenced by ancient Greek and Roman architecture. Its main characteristics are geometrical forms, straight lines
and Greek columns. The use of antique forms in a new context was the
main feature of neoclassical architecture.
Among the most famous neoclassical buildings in London are the British
Museum, Mansion House (the official home of the Lord Mayor 0'
London) and Covent Garden Theatre (the Royal Opera House,.1 When did Gothic style reappear in Brit ish architecture?
2 What were th e new buildings like, compared to the original ones?
3 What was the Neoclassical style influenced by?
4 What are the main features of Neoclassicism?45