Crypt entrance, Hereford Cathedral

At Hereford Cathedral the C13 Lady Chapel was built over a crypt. Both of these spaces are characterised by lancet arches in the Early English style, and they are two of the most interesting features of the cathedral. Entry to the crypt is by quite steep stairs and a door (see lower left of second photograph).

photos © T. Boughen     Camera: iPhone

Cloister, Salisbury Cathedral

The presence of a cloister at a cathedral usually signifies that the building was originally built by a monastic order (Franciscans, Carthusians, Cistercians etc). Salisbury Cathedral is an exception to this rule. But, the purpose of the cloister remains the same - to provide a sheltered (often south-facing) enclosed, covered quadrangle around which monks could walk and which kept them separate from wider society. The cloister at Salisbury Cathedral in Wiltshire, dates from the thirteenth century and features large, alternating cinquefoils and sexfoils.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon D5300

Nave, Salisbury Cathedral

The thirteenth century nave of Salisbury Cathedral is built in what nineteenth century writers called the "Lancet" style but which today is more usually referred to as the Early English style. The nave arcades and most arches elsewhere are tall and pointed. Dark, polished Purbeck marble shafts flank these arches, a motif common to this period, and at Salisbury the light grey Chilmark stone adds further emphasis. As is commonly seen today, an altar has been placed where the nave meets the choir, making the congregation closer to this focal point.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon D5300