Salisbury Cathedral is a splendid example of pure Early English, having had the rare advantage of having been begun and finished within a period of forty years, 1220-1260, and is remarkable for the uniformity and harmony of its construction. Mr. Ferguson has pointed out that there is scarcely a trace of foreign influence in the building, the square east end taking the place of the apse of the Norman churches, and fixing the future character of English choirs; and he adds that it is "one of the best proportioned and at the same time most poetic designs of the middle ages." The various parts of the building all unite to lead the eye to the central point,--the richly adorned spire built in 1250, which is the loftiest in England. The sculptures on the beautiful west front were nearly all destroyed by the Puritans, but have recently been replaced. [Illustration: LINCOLN CATHEDRAL CHOIR] [Illustration: WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL WEST FRONT] Worcester Cathedral is in plan a double cross with very short transepts, and with a chapter-house and spacious cloisters on the south side. In general characteristics it is Early English, but includes specimens of all styles from the Norman down to the latest Perpendicular. The oldest parts of the present church are the choir and Lady-Chapel, which date from the first quarter of the thirteenth century. The north side of the nave belongs to the Decorated and the south side to the early Perpendicular period; but they are very similar in general appearance. The central tower shows traces of the transition from Decorated to Perpendicular. In the interior, the choir dates from the purest Early English period, and impresses by its richness and uniformity; and the magnificent groined roof, extending in an unbroken line for 420 feet, is a feature that perhaps no other cathedral can match. [Illustration: PLATE XCVII ELY CATHEDRAL: WEST FRONT]