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The architectural significance of the various constructional dates given in the brief historical synopses which follow, will be made clear by reference to Mr. E. A. Freeman's tabulation of the English styles by dates.

The last thirty years or so of each period may be described as a time of Transition from one style to the succeeding.

NORWICH CATHEDRAL

FROM EAST

In considering the English cathedrals the Saxon style may be disregarded, as there are no important remains which date prior to the coming of the Norman conquerors; and the only cathedral church of prominence in the Renaissance style is St. Paul's in London.[1]

CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL

THE CHOIR

PLATE XCIII

DURHAM CATHEDRAL FROM THE WEAR RIVER

Litchfield Cathedral is sometimes styled the "Queen of English minsters," and, though surpassed by other cathedrals in age, size, grandeur of site and elaborate decoration, it has yet claim to the title because of the symmetry, proportion and picturesqueness of its general effect. It is built of red sandstone, and dates mainly from the thirteenth to the fourteenth centuries. The earliest structure on the present site was a Norman church dating from about 1100. The oldest part of the existing building is the lower part of the west half of the choir, erected about 1200. The transepts followed in 1220-40; the nave dates from 1250, and the west front from about 1280, while the Lady-Chapel belongs to the beginning