The Seven Periods of English Architecture Defined and Illustrated

"The Seven Periods of English Architecture Defined and Illustrated" by Edmund Sharpe is a historical account written during the late 19th century. This book systematically classifies and analyzes English church architecture from the Heptarchy to the Reformation, and serves as a guide to teaching the evolution of architectural styles in England. Sharpe proposes a more detailed framework than the previous system, which categorized architecture into four styles, by outlining seven distinct periods. In this work, the author delineates seven architectural periods: Saxon, Norman, Transitional, Lancet, Geometrical, Curvilinear, and Rectilinear. Each period is characterized by specific features and stylistic elements, particularly focusing on the design and evolution of windows and arches. Sharpe illustrates how these distinctive architectural traits manifested through time, creating a comprehensive overview of how English architecture transformed over the centuries. The book includes illustrations to support his detailed descriptions, making it not only a text for architectural students but also a reference for enthusiasts seeking to understand the historical development of English ecclesiastical architecture.