178 ENGLISH MEDIAEVAL ARCHITECTURE. 



of great simplicity at Gayton and Waterfall. Perhaps the 

 main distinguishing feature between Norman work and that 

 which succeeded it is the form of arch, which changed 

 from the semicircular to the pointed. This form varies 

 from a rise just higher than a semicircle to an equilateral, 

 and beyond this to an acutely-pointed form. Of the Early 

 English chancel arch we have not many Staffordshire 

 examples. The western tower arch at Weston is, however, 

 a very good specimen. Of Decorated chancel arches there 

 are many, as at Over Arley on the banks of the Severn, 

 Checkley, Madeley, and Clifton Campville. Early in the 

 Perpendicular period a new form of arch arose, and is one 

 of the strongest marks of this style. It is known as the 

 four-centred arch, and is .well illustrated in the western 

 doorway of Brewood, of which we have a sketch. It is 

 of frequent use not only in minor but in large arches. 

 This form occurs in several chancel arches in this county. 



Of the arches used in the arcades between nave or 

 chancel and aisles we have next to speak, and with them 

 we will also take the piers on which they are carried. 

 The arches in the Norman period are semicircular, simple, 

 and massive in their construction, and cannot be better 

 illustrated than by the example at Tutbury of which we 

 have at sketch here. They also occur at Enville and at 

 St. Chad's, Stafford. The sketch showing the west wall 

 of the south transept at Gnosall gives further explanation 

 of the style of arcade employed by the Norman builders. 

 The circular form of the arch, the simplicity and massive- 

 ness of its parts, are apparent. The transition from Norman 

 to Early English in this point is admirably shown at 

 Checkley, where the arches, though pointed, are treated in 

 the simplest possible manner. Of an Early English arcade 



