This article introduces the origin, development, and manifestations of medieval thought in 19th century England in various fields, including religion, politics, architecture, literature, painting, and decorative arts. At the same time, it is pointed out that medievalism is interrelated with historicism, romanticism, and the Gothic revival movement, and is a manifestation of the opposite of modernity. In addition, it was mentioned that the English academic community has been studying this issue since the 1970s, but there has been relatively little attention from the domestic academic community.

The Middle Ages: A Concept of Development and Change

Explored the historical evolution of the concept of the Middle Ages and its revival in 19th century England. At first, the Middle Ages were seen as a religious dominated, dark, and barbaric era, but with the rise of historicism, people's views on the Middle Ages began to shift. In the late 18th century, publications such as "A History of Denmark," "The Song of Nibelungen," and "A Collection of Ancient English Poems" sparked interest in medieval literature, culture, and language. The works of Bishop Herd and Walton of the Diocese of Worcester reflect changes in medieval emotions, emphasizing the uniqueness of the Middle Ages and their contributions to poetry.

The Medieval Movement in 19th Century Britain

In the first half of the 19th century, there was widespread attention to the Middle Ages in Britain, forming the medieval ideology. The term Medieval ism first appeared in 1817 and was subsequently used in multiple journals, gradually expanding to include politics, art, culture, and other fields. The Oxford Movement is an important component of medieval thought, and its conservative and retro tendencies reflect a love for medieval spirit. The leaders of the Oxford Movement, such as Keble, Newman, and Piouz, defended the independent authority of the church through speeches, petitions, and the distribution of pamphlets, emphasizing apostolic unity and exploring the significance of the sacraments. After Newman left the National Church, Piouz became a leader in the movement, and his religious beliefs were known as Piouz ism.

Medieval ism and Critique of Modernity

In the article "Analysis of British Medievalism in the 19th century", the chapter "Medievalism and Modernity Criticism" deeply analyzes the British nostalgia for the Middle Ages and its relationship with modernity criticism. As a pioneer of modernization, Britain's social reality issues such as class exploitation, wealth inequality, and the impact of traditional cultural values have inspired people's longing for the Middle Ages. Carlyle and Ruskin are representative figures of the combination of medieval and modernist criticism. Carlyle criticized the social problems brought about by the Industrial Revolution in "Signs of the Times", and his work "Past and Present" seeks solutions to real-life problems through historical comparison, emphasizing the importance of hero worship to society. Ruskin interpreted the Middle Ages from the perspectives of art and architecture, believing that Gothic architecture embodied Christian culture and the spirit of labor. He criticized the alienation of labor caused by modern industrial technology, called on society to pay attention to the painful call for industrial cities, and formed a consensus on healthy labor and free creation.