An early style of Gothic architecture strongly associated with William of Sens (d. 1180) who was engaged as architect for the rebuilding of the Choir of Canterbury Cathedral (1174-1177) after the near disastrous fire of 1174.

The Early English style particularly featured more strongly-constructed walls with stone vaulted roofs, to resist fire. The weight of these vaults was carried downwards and outwards by arched ribs.

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