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Built between 1220 and 1258, with few later additions, this cathedral remains a pure example of one architectural style - Early English Gothic. Bishop Herbert Poore planned the cathedral in the early 13 th century, but died before seeing his plans realised; his brother Richard, who succeeded him as bishop founded the new cathedral in 1220. The fact that its construction only took 38 years is why one architectural style predominates, unlike many other medieval English cathedrals. The tower and spire at a combined height of 404ft is the tallest in Britain; not a part of the original plan it was added in 1334.

Inside, graceful columns of Purbeck stone line the high-vaulted naïve, while the many large windows light up the spacious interior giving it an airy feel of dignified elegance. The enormous weight of tower and spire has produced a considerable downward thrust sufficient to cause the slender columns beneath to twist under the strain, despite strengthening devices.