Westminster Abbey (London): One of the world's greatest Anglo-French Gothic buildings has witnessed a parade of English history -- from the crowning of William the Conqueror on Christmas Day 1066 to the funeral of Princess Diana in 1997. With few exceptions, the kings and queens of England have all been crowned here, and many are buried here as well.

Canterbury Cathedral (Canterbury, Kent): The object of countless pilgrimages, as described in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, this cathedral replaced one that was destroyed by fire in 1067. A new cathedral, dedicated in 1130, was also destroyed by fire in 1174, when the present structure was built. Thomas à Becket, the archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered here, and his shrine was an important site for pilgrims until the Reformation.

Winchester Cathedral (Winchester, Hampshire): Construction of the cathedral that dominates this ancient city and capital of old Wessex began in 1079. In time, Winchester Cathedral became England's longest medieval cathedral, noted for its 12-bay nave. Many famous people are buried here, including Jane Austen.

Salisbury Cathedral (Salisbury, Wiltshire): The most stylistically unified of all cathedrals in England, this edifice was built between 1220 and 1265. Its landmark spire -- its most striking feature -- was completed in 1325. Salisbury Cathedral epitomizes the Early English style of architecture.

Durham Cathedral (Durham, Yorkshire): Completed between 1095 and 1133, this cathedral exemplifies Norman architecture on a broad scale. Its nave, a structure of almost majestic power, is its most notable feature.

York Minster (York, Yorkshire): The largest Gothic cathedral north of the Alps is also among the grandest, with incredible stained-glass windows. In fact, these windows combine to create the largest single surviving collection of medieval stained glass in England. Its unusual octagonal Chapter House has a late-15th-century choir screen by William Hyndeley.