Originally, the word ‘Gothic’ was used as a derogatory statement, to illustrate architecture that ‘spoiled’ or ‘ruined’ the look of existing buildings – however, it went on to be a massive influence to the architects of the Victorian era, including the likes of Richard Norman Shaw, who went on to design Grim’s Dyke.
The Gothic revival of the 18th and 19th Centuries, started in England during the 1740’s. It stemmed from a desire to connect both political and religious views back towards that of spiritual and traditional and was therefore seen to be associated with monarchism and conservatism.
The typical styling of the Gothic era of architecture was designed to appeal to the emotions. It used décor, painted, elaborate arches and vertical lines to instil a sense of size, grandeur, faith and pride – hence it’s usage in government and religious buildings.
Traditional Gothic styling was originally used in cathedrals and abbeys, churches, castles, town halls and universities – the Gothic revival saw smaller estates and homes added to that list. This meant not only were new buildings frequently built using traditional Gothic styling, but also existing buildings had Gothic influences added – as was the case with Grim’s Dyke. In this case, aspects of Gothic revivalism were added to Late-Elizabethan style, including red tiles, chimneys, glazing and symmetrical designs.
Typical features of the Gothic revival included using ornate facades, rose windows, spires and pinnacles etc. Windows were often large and grouped together. This included lancet windows – these are the tall, narrow, windows that go to a point at the top.
Another feature of Gothic architecture was finials and flying buttresses. These were both decorative and useful. A finial is a decorative (usually stone) feature that marks the end of something – whether it’s the top of a dome or bedpost. Flying buttresses are a type support, used in order to help prevent the wall falling outwards. Unlike traditional buttresses that are built up against a building, a flying buttress is a separate vertical column of brick or stone, that then uses an arched section to connect it back to the main building.
Grim’s Dyke itself shows a mixture of styles – from the mixture of red brick, tiles and timber, to the tall slender chimneys – a place that truly shows the wonderful fusion of the different architectural styles.