<P> Built between 1220 and 1380 with additional structural reinforcement in the next century, Salisbury Cathedral epitomises the ideal English Cathedral, even though its stylistic unity makes it far from typical . Its fame lies in its harmonious proportions, particularly from the exterior where the massing of the various horizontal parts in contrast to the vertical of the spire make it one of the most famous architectural compositions of the Medieval period . Canon Smethurst wrote "It symbolises the peaceful loveliness of the English countryside..., the eternal truths of the Christian faith expressed in stone ..." </P> <P> Built between 1220 and 1420, Southwark Cathedral had its nave demolished and rebuilt in the late 19th century by Arthur Blomfield . It has a fine Early English tower and choir which retains an elaborate 16th - century reredos, fitted with statues replacing those destroyed in the 17th century . </P> <P> Built between 1208 and 1520, Southwell Minster has its Norman façade intact, except for the insertion of a large window in the Perpendicular Style to give light to the Norman nave . The particular fame of Southwell is its late - 13th - century chapter house, which contains the most famous medieval floral carvings in England, described by Nikolaus Pevsner as "throbbing with life". </P> <P> Built between 1175 and 1490, Wells Cathedral has been described as "the most poetic of the English Cathedrals". Much of the structure is in the Early English style and is greatly enriched by the deeply sculptural nature of the mouldings and the vitality of the carved capitals in a foliate style known as "stiff leaf". The eastern end has retained much original glass, which is rare in England . The exterior has the finest Early English façade and a large central tower . </P>

The most significant artistic works of the early medieval west were