Biography
Biography
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Yevele, Henry

 Born1320   Born At
 Died1400  Buried At
 Born1320 / 
 Died1400 / 
enry Yevele was an important English master mason and architect of the late medieval period, recognized as one of the most important figures in English Gothic architecture. His work significantly shaped the architectural landscape of England during the 14th century, particularly during the transition from the Decorated to the Perpendicular Gothic style. Possiibly born in Derbyshire, Yevele lived through the 14th Century which was a time of major social and economic change caused mainly by the Black Death and its repercussions. He worked as a Master mason under both King Edward III and King Richard II and worked on royal commissions. Some of his notable works included the rebuilding of the nave at Westminster Abbey, the tomb of John of Gaunt at St. Paul's Cathedral, the nave and trancepts of Canterbury Cathedral, gates of the city of London and Rochester Cathedral. Yevele is closely associated with the Perpendicular style of architecture which emphasised straight lines and large windows.

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 Yevele, Henry (b.1320 - d.1400)
 Yevele, Henry (b.1320 - d.1400)

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    Timeline

    1347(Age: 27yrs)

    Kipchak Mongols besieging a Genoese trading centre on the Crimean coast catapulted their own dead into the city. The cause of death was a mysterious disease. The Genoese escaped by sea taking the 'Black Death' with them. They landed at Messina in Sicily. Black Death or Bubonic plague was spread by the rat flea. The name Black Death came from the colour of the swelling in the groin, armpit or neck. The person suffering went into a coma and dies soon after. In Europe an estimated 25 million people died. The plague reached Britain in 1348 and again in 1360 and the population may have been reduced by a half. [1]

    1362(Age: 42yrs)

    Rebuilding work was begun on the nave and west cloister at Westminster Abbey. The architect in charge of the works was Henry Yevele. [2]

    1374(Age: 54yrs)

    Henry Yevele was commissioned to design a tomb for John of Gaunt and his first wife Blanche of Lancaster to be built at St. Paul's Cathedral. [2]

    1377(Age: 57yrs)

    King Edward III of England died in June 1377. One year earlier Edward's eldest son and heir to the throne, Edward the Black Prince died. Richard, the son of the Black Prince, was proclaimed heir to the throne. King Edward was ill for some time before his death, and John of Gaunt, another of Edward's sons, took the affairs of the nation under his control. Edward was buried in Westminster Abbey in a tomb designed by Henry Yevele. [3]

    1378(Age: 58yrs)

    Work on rebuilding the nave and transepts of Canterbury Cathedral was started. The designer was Henry Yeveley one of the greatest architects in the late medieval period.

    1379(Age: 59yrs)

    Canterbury Nave and South Transept built by Henry Yevele. [4]

    Canterbury Cloisters built by Henry Yevele. [4]

    1384(Age: 64yrs)

    A chapel dedicated to St. Thomas was constructed on London Bridge. The architect was Henry Yevele. [2]

    1395(Age: 75yrs)

    Henry Yevele designed a tomb for King Richard II and his first wife Anne of Bohemia at Westminster Abbey, [2]

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    Selection of references used:

    • 1: John J. Robinson, Born in Blood, ISBN:0-87131-602-1, M. Evans & Company / New York, Geoff Bath
    • 2: John H Harvey, Henry Yevele, LIfe of an English Architect
    • 3: Michael Senior, The Life and Times of Richard II, 1981, George Weidenfeld (1981), Erdington Library
    • 4: John Harvey, English Cathedrals, 1961, Batsford (1961)

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