The Origins of Gothic Architecture: Some Further Thoughts
John H. Harvey
In 1713 Sir Christopher Wren, then in his 81st year, reported on Westminster Abbey and took the opportunity to enunciate a theory of great importance regard origins Gothic architecture. Referring new church Henry III he wrote: This we now call manner architecture … I think it should with more reason be called Saracen style, for these people wanted neither arts nor learning: after west lost both, borrowed again from them, out their Arabic books, what they diligence had translated Greeks.… The crusado gave us an idea this form, which King built church.… mode building, seen East, soon spread over Europe, particularly France, fashions nation affected imitate all ages, even when were at enmity it.
The Antiquaries Journal