Early English

Interior of Salisbury Cathedral, Wiltshire, England. Founded in 1220 by Bishop Richard Poore, the architecture of the cathedral is entirely Early English; the spire, not included in the original plan, was added in 1334, and at 123 m/404 ft is the highest spire in England.

In architecture, the first of the three periods of the English Gothic style, late 12th century to late 13th century. It is characterized by tall, elongated windows (lancets) without mullions (horizontal bars), often grouped in threes, fives, or sevens; the pointed arch; pillars of stone centres surrounded by shafts of black Purbeck marble; and dog-tooth (zig-zag) ornament. Salisbury Cathedral (begun in 1220) is almost entirely Early English.

Most of Wells Cathedral, including the west front, and Lincoln Cathedral, except for the choir and west front, were built in the Early English style. Other examples include the west fronts of Peterborough and Ripon cathedrals; the choirs of Lichfield, Southwark, Southwell and Worcester cathedrals; the nave of York Minster; and the ‘Chapel of the Nine Altars’ at Durham Cathedral.

The choirs of Westminster Abbey and of the Temple Church in London, and the choir and transepts of Beverley Minster are also Early English.