Illustrated Dictionary of British Churches

History and Architecture

This dictionary is an attempt to show in an easy to understand, visual format, some of the features that helped form the historic churches of Britain. When you visit churches with any regularity you will often run across a confusing mix of terms which may be difficult to understand without a visual illustration. While we can't claim to have covered every feature of church history and architecture, we hope that you will find enough useful illustrations and definitions that will help you to get the most of visiting these wonderful heritage treasures. You can find short definitions in our Glossary of Medieval Church Architecture, and there are also useful biographies of some of the more important church architects in our British Biographies section. For a more in-depth look at architectural styles and time periods, check our English Architecture articles.

Visual Quick Start

Angel Roof

Angel Roof
Green Man
Green Man
Effigy
Effigy
Misericord
Misericord
Monumental Brass
Monumental Brass
Quire
Quire
Sedilia
Sedilia
Tympanum
Tympanum



National Trust

National Trust membership

National Trust membership

Free entry to National Trust properties throughout England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, plus discounted admission to National Trust for Scotland properties.

Membership details

About the National Trust


HISTORY CORNER
Name the mystery historic attraction
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Lambert Simnel (c. 1475-1535) claimed to be who?



02 December, 1697

Wren's St Paul's Cathedral consecrated

Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece was a rebuilding of the medieval St Pauls, which was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666

This queen escaped from Oxford Castle by walking through enemy lines in the middle of the night



Passionate about British Heritage!