Early English --> (1200-1275)
In the Early English period the Gothic style became truly adapted by English craftsmen \ architects. This
period is also called "Lancet" referring to the pointed lancet windows (narrow, untraceried) that
characterize it. Form is still austere and proportion is magnificently simple. During the Early English period,
the heavy rounded arches gave way to lighter, pointed arches in nave arcades, windows and doorways.
The main points of Early English are: quadripartite ribbings in vaults; slender towers topped with spires ,
lancet windows-both single and grouped -and piers with narrow , clustered shafts.
Important examples of Early English architecture are to be found at York (transepts), Lincoln (nave, choir,
chapter house), Rochester (choir and transepts), Wells (nave and west front), Worcester (choir), Bristol
(Elder Lady Chapel), Durham (Chapel of the Nine Altars), Southwark (choir, retro choir), Westminster Abbey
and most of Lichfield. The finest example of Early English is to be found at Salisbury Cathedral.
Decorated Style --> (1275-1375)
Called also Geometric, curvilinear, and flamboyant. These terms describe primarily the fanciful tracery and
ornamentation found in the window heads during this time. The style is easily recognised because the
window are divided by moulded stone mullions (vertical stone bars) into narrow glazed "lights"(openings)
usually from one to two feet wide. At the place where the arch begins to curve upwards to a point the
mullions are twisted into graceful circles and other beautiful patters to form tracery. Windows are wider
than the earlier lancet openings. This widening and the lessening in wall area that naturally accompanied it
was made possible by the invention of the flying buttress.
Improved vaulting techniques also helped take the strain of supporting the building's weight off the walls,
which could then become little more than shells with broad window openings. Stone decoration was rich
and varied, and window glass more colourful. Stone carvings and paintings abound. On doorways and
elsewhere, the general character of the design became more free and more ornate, most surfaces being
rich in carved texture - and a flurry of beautiful and decorative stone details, such as ballflowers, foliated
capitals, plants and animals were freely and naturalistically carved. The best example of the Decorated
period you can visit today is at Exeter Cathedral. Examples of decorated architecture are to found at Lincoln
(the Angel Choir, build 1255-80), Ely (part of the choir and Lady Chapel ), York ( nave, west front, and
chapter house) Lichfield (nave), St Albans (choir), and the chapter houses of Salisbury, Southwell and Wells.
Perpendicular Style --> (1375-1530+)
The final flourishing of gothic in Britain was the perpendicular period. The name suggest its chief
characteristic-strong vertical lines in window tracery and wall panelling. The piers became tall and thin and
the vault became ever more complex, resulting the elaborate marvellous but structurally illogical fan vaults.
The flying buttress became a flowing, decorative feature (as well as supplying its essential supporting
strength).
Towers in were elaborately decorated and pinnacled, and windows became massive, traceried spider-webs
of stone like lace. Wall space was at a minimum, which had the effect of introducing a wonderful feeling of
light and spaciousness into the interior of these buildings, as stained glass because more fashionable.
Among the best examples of Perpendicular Gothic King's College Chapel at Cambridge, Henry VII's Chapel at
Westminster Abbey, the cloisters of Gloucester, the ambulatory of Peterborough and the choir at Christ
Church in Oxford