Roman Aspects of Romanesque Architecture in England and Wales

Post-1066 Norman architecture in England and Wales drew heavily from Roman precedents, blending imperial symbolism with practical innovations. The study reveals a deliberate appropriation of Roman sites, architectural motifs like triumphal arches, and techniques such as marble use and chip carving to evoke monumentality. Normans applied Vitruvian principles, scaling up construction with an understanding of Roman engineering, evident in buildings like the White Tower (London), Durham Cathedral, and castles at Colchester and Castle Rising. The research highlights how this period bridged ancient Roman grandeur with medieval practicality, creating a distinct architectural iconography.

Thurlby, M. (2024). Roman Aspects of Romanesque Architecture in England and Wales. Florilegium, 37, 1–33. https://doi.org/10.3138/flor-2023-02-13