English Gothic Architecture - Early English Gothic

Early English Gothic

The Early English Period of English Gothic lasted from the late 12th century until midway through the 13th century according to most modern scholars such as Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, though the period according to the originator of the term in 1817, Thomas Rickman, ran from 1189 to 1307; Rickman took as his defining dates the reigns of certain English monarchs.

In the late 12th century the Early English Gothic style superseded the Romanesque or Norman style (as it is better known in England, through its association with the Norman Conquest), and during the late 13th century it developed into the Decorated Gothic style, which lasted until the mid 14th century. With all of these early architectural styles there is a gradual overlap between the periods. As fashions changed, new elements were often used alongside older ones, especially in large buildings such as churches and cathedrals, which were constructed (and added to) over long periods of time. It is customary, therefore, to recognise a transitional phase between the Romanesque and Early English periods from the middle of the 12th century.

Although usually known as Early English, this new Gothic style had originated in the area around Paris before spreading to England, where at first it was known as "the French style". Its earliest appearance was in the choir or "quire" of the abbey church of St Denis, dedicated in June 1144. Even before that, some features had been included in Durham Cathedral including a combination of Romanesque and proto-Gothic styles.

By 1175 the style had been firmly established in England with the completion of the Choir at Canterbury Cathedral by William of Sens.