168 ENGLISH MEDIAEVAL ARCHITECTURE. 



their faith was one so was their architecture, and 

 not only architecture but all its accessorial arts of 

 floor-laying, glass- painting, metal- working, and mural 

 decoration ; all breathed one spirit, all had but one 

 object, all aimed at but one end, and that the best 

 they could produce in a given style. To this of course 

 must be attributed in a great measure their wonderful 

 success. 



This uniformity of practice did not, however, produce a 

 constant repetition, but, on the contrary, endless and 

 charming variety. Change was specially marked by four 

 distinct phases of work commonly distinguished as 

 1st, Norman ; 2nd, Early English ; 3rd, Decorated ; 4th, 

 Perpendicular. 



The Norman began in 1066 and lasted 123 years, 

 starting with William and continuing through the reigns 

 of William II., Henry I., Stephen, and Henry II., 

 ending in 1189. The Early English period continued 

 from the last-named date through the reigns of John, 

 Henry III., Richard I., and Edward I., to the year 

 1307. The Decorated period prevailed for seventy years, 

 comprising the two reigns of Edward II. and Edward 

 III., and ending in 1377. The Perpendicular period, 

 commencing at the last-named date, continued through 

 the reigns of Richard II., Henry IV., Henry V., 

 Henry VI., Edward IV., Edward V., Richard III., 

 Henry VII., and Henry VIII., lasting for about 170 years, 

 and ending in 1545. In a debased form this last style 

 continued for about 100 years later. 



There are throughout England distinct examples of each 



