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



English Heritage

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HISTORY CORNER
Name the mystery historic attraction
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This devout king was the son of Aethelred the Unready and Emma, daughter of Richard III of Normandy



04 December, 1214

William, King of Scots dies

He is succeeded to the throne by Alexander II

Her implication in the Catholic Babington Plot led to her execution



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