02-1. The (Dramatic) Gothic Revival

The iconic Gothic Revival Style, which existed from about 1820 to 1900, is probably the most common and the most copied style in Canada. The style originated from the Gothic periods in both England and France. Parts are also traced back to Medieval Architecture in both of those countries.

I call this website 'The Dramatic Gothic Revival' because it features larger homes that are beautifully kept up and are awash in distinctive decorative elements.

There will be numerous other sites dealing with other examples of the Gothic Revival (some of which vary greatly).

 2a. Gothic Revival, Coaticook, Quebec

                         2b. Gothic Revival, Coaticook, Quebec.

I have to show you two pictures of this gorgeous Gothic Revival located in Quebec's Eastern Townships to let you realize that this is definitely an occasion when Art and Architecture blend together.

    2c. Gothic Revival, Kingston, Ontario

This is a house leading to a cemetery in Kingston where Sir John A. MacDonald is buried. Notice the unique drip moldings 'falling' from the eaves The squared moldings above the two upper windows is entirely different.

                                             2d. Gothic Revival, Wilson Street, Ancaster, Ontario

An attractive brick house that bespeaks of two styles. The lower floor appears Italianate in arched windows (also the 2nd floor) and door, and the bay windows with small brackets. The top story and roof are pure Gothic Revival! The polychrome effect of a mixture of brick and stone (note the wall edging called 'quoins') is often popular among Gothic Revivals.

What to look for (clues)

• The most popular shapes are; 'H' (like the house above), 'L' and '+'. Obviously, the style may be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

• Gables are normally very prominent. There may be 1 to 3 at the front and others as you go around the house.

• Roofs are steep but do not have dormers. Dramatic gingerbread (or vergeboard or bargeboard) may appear along the eaves. Ornamental 2 or 3 foot 'poles' may extend upward (finials) or downwards (pendants) at the eave's highest points.

•  Pointed (lancet) or curved (ogee) windows may appear between the gable sides on the upper floor.

                                  2e. Gothic Revival, Mount Forest, Ontario

It is a joy to be walking through a nearby town and suddenly come across a gem like this one. Wooden structures around the top eaves and as posts for verandahs are often very elegant. You can't approach a building such as this one without feeling a sense of peace enveloping you. Priceless!

Where to find it

The Gothic Revival is found in great numbers across the country: In older urban sections of towns and cities, in rural areas as weathered farms, or as homesteads on the Prairies. 

There are many variations that have in turn had parts torn down or updated as the need arose.

Still to come

There will be related websites constructed covering The Carpenter Gothic, Early Gothic Revival, Baronial Gothic Revival, The 'L' and 'H'-Shaped Gothic Revivals and possibly others.

There are actually so many decorative items associated with the Gothic Revival that I will later create a special page just based on these ornaments.