The
architecture of the United Kingdom, or
British architecture, consists of an eclectic combination of
architectural styles, ranging from those that predate the creation of the
United Kingdom, such as
Roman, to 21st century
contemporary.
England has seen the most influential developments, though
Ireland,
Scotland, and
Wales have each fostered unique styles and played leading roles in the international
history of architecture. Although there are prehistoric and classical structures in the
United Kingdom, British architectural history effectively begins with the first
Anglo-Saxon Christian churches, built soon after
Augustine of Canterbury arrived in
Great Britain in 597.
Norman architecture was built on a vast scale throughout Great Britain and Ireland from the 11th century onwards in the form of castles and churches to help impose Norman authority upon their dominions.
English Gothic architecture, which flourished between 1180 until around 1520, was initially imported from
France, but quickly developed its own unique qualities.