Although much of central London consists mainly of Georgian buildings, several pieces of medieval architecture are still present today. Medieval architecture refers to religious, civil and military buildings typical of the Middle Ages, constructed in a Romanesque or Gothic style.
London’s medieval architecture dates back to the invasion of William the Conqueror in 1066, up until the end of the 15th century. The buildings are characterised by towers, spires and stained-glass windows.
The most famous medieval buildings in London include:
If you’re interested in medieval history, a tour of London’s medieval buildings is the best way to learn about the city’s historic architecture. Read on as we explore London’s medieval buildings in more depth.
Begin your tour at the Tower of London. This striking complex of towers stands on the north bank of the River Thames and was founded by William the Conqueror towards the end of 1066, shortly after he became King of England. The Tower was built to remind citizens that they now lived under Norman rule.
During the 13th century, Henry III and Edward I expanded the Tower’s fortresses and added St Thomas’s Tower, the Wakefield Tower and the Lanthorn Tower. These towers housed several medieval kings and queens and are collectively known as the Medieval Palace.
The iconic White Tower – the central tower – was completed during the 1080s and provided accommodation for the King and his representatives. This tower was constructed from Caen stone and retains many of its original architectural features to this day. The White Tower is a prime example of a medieval fortress-palace that evolved from the 11th century until the 16th century. It also represents the impact of the mid-11th century Norman Conquest of England.
Situated only a five-minute walk from the Tower of London is St Olave’s Church, one of the smallest churches in the City of London. Located on the corner of Hart Street and Seething Lane, St Olave’s is one of five churches in London dedicated to Olaf II Haraldsson – the King of Norway from 1015 to 1028.
The church was likely built between 1055 and 1060, although its exact dates of construction are unknown. The original design – probably made from wood – was replaced with a stone structure in the 12th or 13th century. The replacement church survived for 500 years and even managed to escape devastation from the Great Fire of London in 1666.
St Olave’s was severely damaged during World War II, but it was able to be partly restored to its medieval layout. Some of the church’s medieval elements include the panel tracery, linearity of mullions, and quatrefoils in the spandrels, which are of a Gothic style.
From St Olave’s Church, make your way over to Guildhall, located near Bank Tube station. Guildhall was the city hall of medieval London and served as a civic centre and a stage for political, religious and social drama. The building that stands today is estimated to have been built somewhere between 1411 and 1440.
Since the 15th century, Guildhall has undergone many reconstructions and demolitions, and only a small fraction of its medieval architectural features – such as its east and west crypts – has survived.
When you’ve finished exploring Guildhall, hop on the Tube at Bank station and take the Waterloo & City (turquoise) line to Waterloo station. From there, you can walk to Westminster Abbey, located just west of the Houses of Parliament.
The building seen today dates back to 1245 when Henry III began rebuilding the abbey church in the new Gothic architectural style. Westminster Abbey was heavily damaged during World War II but was successfully restored. Take a look around the abbey and witness its medieval architectural features, such as its flying buttresses.
From Westminster Abbey, make your way over to Westminster Hall, the oldest building on the Parliamentary Estate. Built in 1077 on the order of William Rufus (the son of William the Conqueror), Westminster Hall had a significant presence during the Middle Ages.
Rufus’ Hall was built in medieval Romanesque style. However, its present form came about under the renovation of Richard II, which took place in 1399. The building was completely remodelled, and renovations took around six years to complete.
Its hammer-beam roof was commissioned in 1393 and is the most extensive medieval timber roof in Northern Europe. Westminster Hall symbolised the monarch’s power during the Middle Ages, surviving the Great Fire of London, among other devasting events.
Lastly, walk for three minutes from Westminster Hall to the Jewel Tower. The Jewel Tower is one of the surviving sections of the medieval Palace of Westminster (the other sections are Westminster Hall, the Cloisters and Chapter House of St Stephen’s, and the Chapel of St Mary’s Undercroft).
The Jewel Tower was built by King Edward III between 1365 and 1366, at the southwest corner of the Palace. The building’s purpose was as a storeroom for the king’s jewels, gold and silver collection. It was designed by Henry Yevele – a famous medieval architect – and was constructed mainly from Kentish ragstone. It also featured a medieval quay for protection against thieves. The Jewel Tower is an intriguing attraction in the heart of Westminster – not one to be missed.
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