Gothic is the most perfect fusion of art and engineering that’s ever been devised: it looks good because it’s structurally sound! Twelfth century France made the breakthrough but such was Gothic’s flexibility that England soon developed its own version – flowery and wayward to start with, grand and dignified later on. The course will follow these winding evolutions and tie them into their historical background. When the Reformation hit Europe, the style went underground. But when it did re-emerge and the Gothic revival got underway, this time it was England that made the breakthrough and this is when the astonishing story reaches its climax!