Gothic Revival

Gothic Revival was one of the most influential styles of the 19th century. Sometimes called Victorian Gothic, Mock Gothic or Neo-Gothic, it was mostly confined to public buildings, whose large scale lent itself to the style. However, it was also used for beautiful houses and domestic architecture. It is a style of soaring arches, pointed stained-glass windows and elaborate stone carving. Where the architect has really gone to town, it included gables and gargoyles, turrets and polychrome brickwork. However, the level of detailed required made it an expensive style to build in, so wasn’t a style that was adopted for mass housing but was more about wealthy individuals and their personal taste.

The style is most often discussed through the works of architects such as Augustus Pugin who, together with Charles Barry, rebuilt the Houses of Parliament after they were burnt down in 1834, and George Gilbert Scott, who created the Grand Hotel in front of St Pancras station.

Channel4 Site http://www.channel4.com/4homes/buy-sell/buying-property/property-styles/styles-of-architecture/gothic-08-06-27