02. Gothic Revival

2a. Coaticook, Quebec

The popular Gothic Revival style existed mainly from 1830 to 1900 and was based on popular Gothic periods in England and France or upon medieval architecture. There are quite a variety of house shapes. The most common are ‘L’, ‘H’ or ‘+’. Verandahs, while not mandatory, appear on most Gothic Revivals. Homes are usually wooden or brick, with the latter often having two colours of brick for ornamentation.

2b. Coaticook, Quebec

2c. Gothic Revival, KIngston

2d. Gothic Revival, Ancaster

What to look for (clues)

- Houses may be asymmetrical or symmetrical.

Usually very steep roof or roofs.
May possess front gables as well as side gables.
Roofs may have very fancy trim (gingerbread) on the eaves.
One or more pointed windows (lancet) on the 2nd floor.

2e. Gothic Revival, Mount Forest

Where to find it

The Gothic Revival house appears in both urban and rural settings.The Gothic style has a very long list of ornamental decorations.

I will be featuring other types of Gothic Revival structures as well, which will reveal more decorative features. Unfortunately, many other later styles ‘borrowed’ from the Gothic Revival making identification tougher.