Salisbury Cathedral, begun in about 1220, is…

Salisbury Cathedral, begun in about 1220, is virtually complete by 1266, save for the tower and spire over the crossing.

The monastic buildings, including the octagonal chapter house, are constructed slightly later.

Because the cathedral has been built in only thirty-eight years, it has a single consistent architectural style, the so-called Early English Gothic.

English in plan, as is the linear emphasis of the decoration, the church’s broad facade is apparently based on French Romanesque architecture.

The builders, who have given Salisbury significantly greater window area than the roughly contemporary Lincoln Cathedral, display an apparent familiarity with French Gothic architecture.

The narrow, pointed lancet windows and square eastern end are typical of the Early English Gothic style.