Americans were fascinated by the historic architecture of the "Old World" - including its magnificent cathedrals. In 1887 and 1888, Century Magazine ran an extensive series on Britain's cathedrals, by American author M.G. ("Mrs. Schuyler") van Rensselaer. Mariana Griswold Van Rensselaer was the first female architectural critic; she began writing in 1876 and by the 1880's was a noted authority on architectural topics. According to Wikipedia, she was elected an honorary member of the American Institute of Architects and the American Society of Landscape Architects. (Cathedrals are listed alphabetically in this section.)

The Cathedral Churches of England, by M.G. van Rensselaer (Century Magazine, 1887A)

Canterbury Cathedral, by M.G. van Rensselaer (Century Magazine, 1887A)

Durham Cathedral, by J.R. Boyle (North Country Lore & Legend 1890)

Durham Cathedral, by M.G. van Rensselaer (Century Magazine, 1888A)

Ely Cathedral, by M.G. van Rensselaer (Century Magazine, 1887B)

Gloucester Cathedral, by M.G. van Rensselaer (Century Magazine, 1890A)

Lichfield Cathedral, by M.G. van Rensselaer (Century Magazine, 1888B)

Lincoln Cathedral, by M.G. van Rensselaer (Century Magazine, 1888B)

Sepulchral Monuments in Oxford Cathedral, by Matthew Holbeche Bloxham (Archaeological Journal, 1852)

Peterborough Cathedral, by M.G. van Rensselaer (Century Magazine, 1887B)

An English Cathedral (Harper's Monthly, 1881A)

An overview of the basic layout and functions of British cathedrals in general, followed by a description of Salisbury Cathedral.

Salisbury Cathedral, by M.G. van Rensselaer (Century Magazine, 1888A)

The Golden Hall of St. Pauls, by James Manson (Little Folks, 1883)

Wells Cathedral, by M.G. van Rensselaer (Century Magazine, 1890B)

Winchester Cathedral, by M.G. van Rensselaer (Century Magazine, 1889B)

York Cathedral, by M.G. van Rensselaer (Century Magazine, 1889A)

• See also Historic Church Architecture