Is it architecture or archaeology? This section looks at the architecture and decorative details of historic churches in Britain, Europe and America. Here you'll find articles on individual historic churches, as well as elements common to many churches, such as lych gates, bells and bellfries, stained and painted glass, and more.

Examples of Ecclesiastical Architecture in France, by the Rev. J.L. Petit (Archaeological Journal, 1852)

Interesting series with lovely engravings of French churches.

List of Metal Doors in European Churches (Archaeological Journal, 1852)

On the Architecture of the Abbey Church of Dorchester, by Edward Freeman (Archaeological Journal, 1852)

On the Bronze Doors of the Cathedral of Gnesen, by Alexander Nesbitt (Archaeological Journal, 1852)

On the Painted Glass in New College Chapel and Hall, Oxford, by C. Winston (Archaeological Journal, 1852)

Anglo-Norman Church History (Gentleman's Magazine, 1859)

Early Paintings on the Walls of Churches (Gentleman's Magazine, 1859)

Fishlake Church, Yorkshire (Gentleman's Magazine, 1859)

Hawarden Church, Flintshire (Gentleman's Magazine, 1859)

On the Emblems of the Crucifixion and the Arms of the Passion (Gentleman's Magazine, 1859)

A look at these emblems in medieval decorative church arts.

The Poetry of Steeples (Harper's Monthly, 1876A)

Church and Meeting-House Before the Revolution, by Edward Eggleston (Century Magazine, 1887A)

Lych-Gates (Quiver, 1889)

Some of the Most Famous Spires (Quiver, 1889)

Interesting Monuments of Distinguished Women, by H.W. Brewer (Girl's Own Paper, 1889, 1892-94)

Queen Eleanor (Westminster Abbey); Lady Idonea (Beverly Minster); Jane Wren (wife of Christopher Wren; St. Paul's Cathedral); Countess Aveline, Last Queen of the Isle of Wight (Westminster); Queen Elizabeth (Westminster); Two Baby Daughters of James I (Westminster). Gorgeous illustrations and a capsule history of each distinguished lady.

Bells and Belfries, by the Rev. H.R. Haweis (English Illustrated Magazine, 1890A)

The Largest Churches in Europe, by H.W. Brewer (Girl's Own Paper, 1891)

Interesting comparison of major European cathedrals. (Unfortunately the illustrative print was missing.)

The Loftiest Churches in Europe, by H.W. Brewer (Girl's Own Paper, 1892)

Another comparison of the churches of Europe; click here for the illustration.

St. Martin's Church, Canterbury (Girl's Own Paper, 1892)

A nice feature on the oldest church in Canterbury.

The Churches of Provence, by Mrs. Schuyler (M.G.) van Rensselaer (Century Magazine, 1895A)

The Churches of Périgueux and Angoulême, by M.G. van Rensselaer (Century Magazine, 1896A)

Curiosities of Church and Chapel (Home Magazine, 1898)

Oddities in church architecture and furnishings.

Typical Church Towers of English Counties, by H.W. Brewer (Girl's Own Paper, 1898, 1901)

A series of short features on British county churches, with excellent pictures.

Animals at Church, by York Hopewell (Windsor Magazine, 1902A)

More precisely, animals represented in various forms of church architecture and art.

• See also Cathedrals of Britain