the prolific construction of the towers – some started before 1360 – was typically accomplished by a master mason and a small team of itinerant masons, supplemented by local parish laborers, according to poyntz wright. but other authors reject this model, suggesting instead that leading architects designed the parish church towers based on early examples of perpendicular design and ornamentation developed for cathedrals – their most important commissions. contract builders carried out the plans, adding a distinctive mix of innovative details and decorations as new designs emerged over the years.