Editing Anglo-Saxon architecture (section)

{{Short description|English architecture from the mid-5th century to 1066}}
[[File:EarlsBartonChurch.JPG|thumb|Distinctive Anglo-Saxon pilaster strips on the tower of [[All Saints' Church, Earls Barton]] in [[Northamptonshire]]]]

'''Anglo-Saxon architecture''' was a period in the [[history of architecture]] in [[England]] from the mid-5th century until the [[Norman Conquest]] of 1066. [[Anglo-Saxons|Anglo-Saxon]] secular buildings in [[Great Britain|Britain]] were generally simple, constructed mainly using [[timber]] with [[thatch]] for roofing. No universally accepted example survives above ground. Generally preferring not to settle within the old Roman cities, the Anglo-Saxons built small towns near their centres of agriculture, at fords in rivers or sited to serve as ports. In each town, a main hall was in the centre, provided with a central hearth.<ref>[[History of York|York]] and [[History of London|London]] both offer examples of this trend.</ref>

There are many remains of Anglo-Saxon church architecture. At least fifty churches are of [[Anglo-Saxons|Anglo-Saxon]] origin with major Anglo-Saxon architectural features, with many more claiming to be, although in some cases the Anglo-Saxon part is small and much-altered. It is often impossible to reliably distinguish between pre- and post-Conquest 11th century work in buildings where most parts are later additions or alterations. The [[round-tower church]] and [[tower-nave church]] are distinctive Anglo-Saxon types.  All surviving churches, except [[Greensted Church|one timber church]], are built of stone or brick, and in some cases show evidence of re-used [[Roman architecture|Roman]] work.

The architectural character of Anglo-Saxon ecclesiastical buildings range from Celtic influenced architecture in the early period; [[Early Christian art and architecture|Early Christian]] [[basilica]] influenced architecture; and in the later Anglo-Saxon period, an architecture characterised by [[Pilaster strip|pilaster-strips]], [[Blind arcade|blank arcading]], [[Baluster-shaft|baluster shafts]] and [[Triangular arch|triangular headed]] openings.  In the last decades of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, a more general [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] style was introduced from the continent, as in the now built-over additions to [[Westminster Abbey]] made from 1050 onwards, already influenced by [[Norman architecture|Norman style]].  In recent decades, architectural historians have become less confident that all undocumented minor "Romanesque" features post-date the [[Norman Conquest]].  Although once common, it has been incorrect for several decades to use the plain term "Saxon" for anything Anglo-Saxon that is later than the initial period of settlement in Britain.