Salisbury Cathedral
Why is Salisbury Cathedral, built in 1220 by Bishop Richard Poore, one of the few
cathedrals built entirely consistent with the Early English Gothic style? Salisbury
Cathedral was built remarkably quickly, in just 38 years, and although the spire was added
afterwards, they remained true to its architectural style throughout the construction. Made
of cut stone and masonry, this Early Gothic building has many classic features of its era
including pointed arches, an extremely narrow nave, the largest cloister in England and the
tallest spire and the buttresses to support it.
The Gothic architectural style was just evolving from the Romanesque style in France
when Salisbury Cathedral was erected. It is one of the most formidable examples of this
Early English style, originating in France with the creation of St. Denis’s Basilica.
However many Romanesque features were still being used, such as rounded arches.
Salisbury Cathedral was one of the first buildings to make sole use of Early Gothicism,
and in doing helped bring about the end of the transitional phase. Without its convenient
timing of being to late to include Romanesque features but much to early for Renaissance
style, Salisbury Cathedral was able to provide the Dark Ages with a revival of religion and
beauty. It was quickly built which also further aided its unique continuity in one style,
many times a long construction leads to a change in architect and new ideas are
introduced. However when the spire was added, as well as the supporting buttresses, the
