TRANSITIONAL, 1145-1190

THE period of Transition from Norman to Early English dates from 1145 to 1190, in the reigns of Stephen and Richard I., the period when architecture gradually passed from the massiveness and severity of Romanesque, as expressed in the Norman, to the delicate refinement of Early English Gothic. In its general character there is much that is common to both periods. It is easily distinguished in its details as capitals, arches, carving, etc.

Plate IV., Figs. 1 and 3, show Transitional capitals in which the square abacus of the Norman remains and the concave surface of the body or bell contrasts with the convex of the Norman (Plate III., Figs. 2, 3, 6, and 9). Rude carving suggestive of foliage was sometimes introduced. The placing of two pointed arches under a semicircle (Plate IV., Fig. 2) is especially indicative of the Transitional period.

In the Transitional period the pointed or Gothic arch was first introduced, and established as the most characteristic feature of the Gothic style on account of its superior strength and fitness. In the Transition, hollows were introduced separating the rounds in mouldings (Plate IV., Fig. 4). In other respects Transitional work differs little from Norman.