II. GOTHIC. Early English or "Lancet," 1189-1300. Decorated {Geometrical} 1300-1377. {Flowing } Perpendicular 1377-1547. III. RENAISSANCE. Including Elizabethan, Georgian, Palladian, etc. 1547 _et seq._ The last thirty years or so of each period may be described as a time of Transition from one style to the succeeding. [Illustration: 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] [Illustration: CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL THE CHOIR] [Illustration: 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 of the fourteenth century. The cathedral close was formerly surrounded by a wall and moat; and in 1643 the cathedral was defended against the Puritans, who battered down the central tower and demolished many of the carvings, monuments and windows. It was, however, restored before the end of the century. The most conspicuous external features are the three beautiful spires and the fine west façade. This façade is one of the most graceful and harmonious in England; and it has the advantage over such a front as that of Peterborough in its organic connection with the rest of the building. It is covered with niches for about one hundred statues, almost all of which are now filled with modern carvings. [Illustration: HEREFORD CATHEDRAL FROM NORTHEAST]