The repairs: a new architectural style

The collapsed south section of the nave was not rebuilt to match the Romanesque arches on the north side. Instead, the latest architectural style was used – Decorated Gothic. There were now three different styles of building in the nave: the original Norman rounded arches, an Early English extension, and new Decorated Gothic.

The western part of the nave dates from the early 1200s and has slender columns of soft chalkstone, pointed arches and dog-tooth decoration in the Early English style.

The new Decorated Gothic section also has slender columns and pointed arches, but is more elaborate. It has decorative floral designs, especially ball flower, and also features carved animals and human faces. At this time wider windows with elaborate stonework and richly coloured stained glass were introduced.

Understanding the Medieval Architecture of the Cathedral

The Cathedral is awash with various styles of architecture. Below is a brief chronological guide to understanding which styles were used throughout the medieval period.

Early medieval, pre-1066

What little remains of the early medieval church are a number of baluster shafts located in the triforium level in both the north and south transepts. These were most likely made of material salvaged from the Roman ruins of Verulamium.

Romanesque, c.1066-1250

After the Norman conquest, buildings often took inspiration from Roman structures. As a result, the architecture of this period is often referred to as ‘Romanesque’. Certain features include semi-circular arches, the zig-zag pattern of the chevron moulding and the bobbin ornament, as can be seen on the arcading of the slype in the south transept.

Gothic c.1190-1550

Gothic medieval architecture did not follow a classical model and is divisible into the following three stages:

Early English, c.1190-1275

Early English churches took on slender vertical lines, using lancet-shaped windows for instance, and capitals were adorned with botanical designs, such as the stylised acanthus leaf.

Decorated, c.1275-1350

As the name suggests, more grandiose foliage (such as the ball flower) were introduced and windows were frequently topped with the pointed ogival arch, which is shaped like a wishbone.

Perpendicular, c.1350-1550

Throughout this tall and light-filled period, ceilings featured fan-vaulting and narrower window traceries were introduced. This was where thinner stone frames allowed for more glass to be used, thus increasing the amount of natural light in the interior of the building.