{8b} It will be observed that, in the following paper, Rickman has distinctly pointed out what he supposes to be the dates of erection of the several portions of the Cathedral building. Having no historical authorities to refer to, he had fixed these entirely from his own notions of the _probable_ periods, drawn from his examination of the distinctive characteristics of the several parts. We have it in our power now to verify these dates from authentic records, and to show, as we have done in foot notes, the singular accuracy of Rickman’s judgment in fixing them. {9a} This fault has since Rickman’s time been remedied by the substitution of two handsome and appropriate windows. {9b} The _Presentation Book of the Abbey_ says, “The Choir, Steeple and Body of the Church were rebuilt about the time of King John, i.e. 1199 to 1216, Hugh Grylle, Abbot.” The Early English period dates from the accession of John in 1199, to 1272, in which year Henry III died. The work continued languidly through the abbacies of Marmion, Pincebeck, Frind, and Capenhurst, to Simon de Albo Monasterio, who became Abbot in 1265, died in 1289, and was buried in the Chapter House. During this energetic abbacy, says Dr. Ormerod, “the monastery or a considerable portion thereof was rebuilt.” {10a} The Decorated period extended from A.D. 1272 to 1377, or during the reign of the three Edwards. {10b} Simon de Albo Monasterio was Abbot from 1265–1289, while his important part of the work was in rapid progress. {11a} The Perpendicular style ranged from the accession of Richard II. in 1377, to the death of Henry VIII. in 1546. {11b} Simon Ripley, who was Abbot of St. Werburgh’s, 1472 to 1479, is stated to have rebuilt the _Nave_, _Tower_, and _South Transept_; but in Webb’s portion of the _Vale Royal_ it is distinctly recorded that, in 1506, in the abbacy of John Birchenshaw “The old steeple of St. Werburgh was taken down,” while two years afterwards the same record states that “the foundation and the first stone of the Abbey laid, the Maior being then present.” This record has been hitherto connected with the western tower, but Rickman’s argument seems to be conclusive, unless indeed, which is quite probable, both were in progress at the same period. {12} _Not_ the windows which are to be found there now, which were erected at the time of the general repair of the fabric, about 1816, after Rickman’s survey. {13a} The Dean and Chapter have for some years past been gradually restoring this beautiful structure to its original character; and the Perpendicular work here half-complained of by Rickman has now almost disappeared.