feature of the edifice is the castellated west tower, which is unlike any other cathedral tower in England, and to some extent suggests military rather than ecclesiastical architecture. The greater part of this tower is Transitional Norman (117-489), but the octagonal top and turrets were added in the decorated period.

WELLS CATHEDRAL

CHOIR

Wells Cathedral is, in its present condition, predominantly an Early English building, of the first half of the thirteenth century. It is the third church on the same site, and the foundation of the present edifice is commonly attributed to Bishop Joceline, 1206-1242. The church as he designed it was finished at the end of the thirteenth century. Thereafter a complete transformation of the east part was undertaken, the first step being the construction of the Lady-Chapel, about 1320, while the Presbytery dates from about 1350. The upper parts of the central tower also belong to the early fourteenth century. The upper parts of the west towers and cloisters are Perpendicular. The beautiful west façade, elaborately adorned with arcading and sculptures, is, like the west front of Lincoln, architecturally a mere mask. The choir, one of the most beautiful in England, is Early or Geometrical Decorated in the general effect.

PLATE XCIX

GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL FROM SOUTHWEST

ST. ALBAN'S ABBEY

FROM SOUTHWEST

York Cathedral is one of the largest and grandest of English minsters. The present structure is the third on the site, and was built by the first Norman bishop. The choir was rebuilt by Archbishop Roger, 1154-81, the south transept by Archbishop Gray in 1215-55, and the north transept about the same time, while the Norman nave was gradually replaced by the present one between 1290 and 1345. The Lady-Chapel was added in 1360-73, and the present choir substituted for Archbishop Roger's before 1400. The towers date from the fifteenth century, and the edifice as thus rebuilt was reconsecrated in 1472. In its present form, therefore, the minster shows examples of the Early English Decorated, and early and late Perpendicular styles. The most striking features of the exterior are the noble west façade in the Decorated and the imposing central tower in the Perpendicular style.

Gloucester Cathedral stands on a site consecrated to religious purposes since the seventh century. The church was raised to cathedral dignity in 1541, having previously been included in the diocese of Worcester. In its present form the body of the church is the work of Abbot Serlo at the end of the eleventh century; but this Norman core was most skilfully altered and recased, chiefly in the fourteenth century, and in general external appearance is thoroughly Perpendicular.

St. Albans Abbey, which was raised to the dignity of a cathedral in 1877, is one of the finest and