About Our Scholars
We document British medieval art and architectural heritage through careful academic research.
Our Mission
English Gothic Heritage is a registered educational charity. We document and help people understand England's medieval church architecture, bridging academic study and conservation needs.
Living Within History
Our location at 11 The Precincts puts us in Canterbury Cathedral's historic close, surrounded by buildings that have housed scholars, clergy, and craftsmen for almost a thousand years. Being close to our subject gives daily inspiration and a deep feel for medieval spaces.
From our windows, we watch the conservation work that keeps these ancient structures alive. Hearing the cathedral choir practice reminds us these buildings still serve their spiritual purpose while supporting modern scholarship.
This living link to medieval tradition shapes our research, mixing rigorous methods with respect for the ongoing craft and spirit of English Gothic architecture.
Research Team
Our scholars bring decades of field experience and modern analysis to document England's Gothic heritage.
Dr. Eleanor Vance
Director & Senior Architectural Historian
Formerly of the Courtauld Institute, Dr. Vance specializes in 13th-century vaulting and how French Gothic techniques came to England. Her PhD work on Canterbury Cathedral's building timeline set new standards for dating Early English phases. She has led our research since 2018, managing major projects at Lincoln and Wells.
Alistair Finch
Documentation Manager & Master Photographer
Over fifteen years, Alistair has photographed every medieval parish church in Kent, building a unique visual record of regional architecture. His skill in architectural photography and knowledge of Gothic structures produces records used for both research and conservation. He pioneered our use of photogrammetry for precise recording.
Professor Marcus Thorne
Advisory Board Chair
Emeritus Professor of Medieval Studies at the University of York and author of the key book "Buttress and Belief: Structural Innovation in English Gothic Architecture." His work on how theology shaped architectural form has influenced many historians. His guidance keeps our research to high academic standards while staying open to the public.
Research Methodology
Our multidisciplinary approach combines traditional art historical analysis with modern scientific techniques and digital documentation methods.
Digital Documentation
We employ 3D laser scanning, photogrammetry, and ground-penetrating radar to create precise digital records of Gothic structures. These techniques reveal hidden architectural features and provide accurate measurements for conservation planning.
Our digital archives serve as permanent records, essential given the ongoing weathering of medieval stone. Advanced imaging techniques can detect painted decoration invisible to the naked eye and document structural changes over time.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping allows us to analyse the relationship between architectural development and broader cultural patterns across medieval England.
Scientific Analysis
Material analysis using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and petrographic examination reveals the geological sources of building stones and glass compositions. This data illuminates medieval trade networks and construction techniques.
Dendrochronological analysis of surviving timber elements provides precise dating for construction phases, while mortar analysis reveals changing building practices across different periods.
Collaboration with materials scientists ensures our research contributes to practical conservation efforts by identifying optimal treatment methods for different types of medieval stonework and glass.
Professional Recognition
Our research serves cathedral guides, academic institutions, and conservation professionals throughout England and beyond.
Conservation Partnerships
We maintain active partnerships with cathedral conservation departments and specialist craft workshops throughout England. Our research directly supports ongoing maintenance and restoration work by providing historical context and technical analysis.
Collaboration with master masons, glaziers, and other heritage craftspeople ensures our documentation captures not only historical information but also the continuing tradition of medieval building techniques. This knowledge transfer is essential for maintaining authentic conservation practices.
Regular consultation with the Church Conservation Trust, English Heritage, and cathedral fabric committees ensures our research addresses practical conservation needs while maintaining rigorous academic standards.
Collaboration EnquiryCurrent Research Projects
Our ongoing investigations address fundamental questions about English Gothic development while supporting practical conservation needs.
Stone Source Analysis
Comprehensive geological analysis of medieval building stones to identify quarry sources and understand the logistics of Gothic construction. This research illuminates trade networks and regional building traditions.
Digital Archive Creation
Building comprehensive digital archives of Gothic architectural elements using 3D scanning and photogrammetry. These records preserve detailed information about structures vulnerable to climate change and pollution damage.
Workshop Traditions
Investigating medieval craft guild practices and workshop organisation through documentary research and technical analysis of surviving work. This research supports traditional craft training programmes.
Supporting Our Mission
As a registered charity, English Gothic Heritage relies on donations, grants, and institutional partnerships to continue our vital documentation work.
Ways to Support Our Research
Your support enables us to maintain our comprehensive documentation programmes and provide essential resources for conservation professionals, academic researchers, and the general public interested in England's Gothic heritage.
Individual Donations
Regular donations support our ongoing research and digital archive maintenance. All contributions are tax-deductible under UK charity law.
Institutional Partnerships
Universities, museums, and conservation organisations can partner with us for collaborative research projects and resource sharing agreements.