| Saxon 410 - 1066 |
The listed structures illustrated
here can be used to identify typical features of Saxon construction
and decoration
Use this glossary
from the 'Looking at Buildings' website to check the meanings of unfamiliar
words.
During the Saxon period domestic buildings were constructed in wood
and have not survived. Higher status buildings such as castles or churches
were also initially built of wood and later rebuilt in stone. The remains
of stone crosses survive from this time, often in churchyards. In most
cases the churches themselves show only a small amount of evidence of
their Saxon origins due to the alterations, additions and restorations
of later centuries.
For a graphic illustration of the evolution of the parish church visit
the 'Looking
at Buildings' website. |
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The Saxon Church, Escomb, Bishop's Auckland, Durham,
seventh century
A church in two parts, nave with smaller chancel, that has survived
with very little alteration.
Features include; tall, narrow building; built of local sandstone
with some stones from abandoned Roman buildings re-used; contrasting
quoin stones on corners in alternate long and short pattern; small
round headed windows.
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Market Square, Sandbach, Cheshire, probably early/mid
ninth century
Pair of Anglo-Saxon crosses.
Features include; original site unknown; one shaft is intact the
other truncated; both heads have been mutilated or replaced; both
crosses are decorated on all faces. |
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Church of St. Andrew, Ongar, Essex, mid ninth century
A unique structure, the vertical split oak, log walls of the nave
are said to have been dated to 845 AD. The wooden tower may be later. |
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All Saints Church, Brixworth Northamptonshire, seventh
century with alterations in the 10th, 13th and 19th centuries
The original church was built partly from re-used Roman brick that
can be seen around the door and in the base of the tower.
Features include; small round headed window and doorway in tower;
brick in herringbone pattern |
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| Please note Teachers are advised
that not all listed buildings are open to the public and that if you or
your students wish to focus on a private building issues of privacy and
access must be considered. |