Salisbury
Cathedral is one of the most popular Cathedrals in England to visit
and the spire, the tallest in England, dominates the skyline of Salisbury
as you approach the city.
The Cathedral sits within the Close, one of the few left intact. The
only way to enter the Close is still through one of the two main gates,
impressive in their own right. They look like gates that are part
of old medieval city walls, but the walls and gates are to keep the
towns people out, not to protect the city.
Every year over 600,000 visitors come from all over the world to the
Cathedral and Close, the largest and best preserved Cathedral Close
in Britain.
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Cathedral was begun in 1220, and finished, with the exception of the
tower and spire, in 1258. One of the amazing facts about the Cathedral
is that the foundations are only 4 feet deep. Astounding when you
stand next to the immense stone structure. |
Especially
for US visitors, the highlight of a trip to Salisbury Cathedral is
often seeing the Magna Carta in the Chapter House.
Salisbury Cathedral was built after the clergy abandoned the Cathedral
at Old Salisbury (Old
Sarum) on the hill above modern day Salisbury. Moving down into
the valley by the River Avon.
Because of the relative speed in which the Cathedral was built its
unusually complete in one style.
The Cathedral was built as a Catholic Church but after Henry VIII
the Cathedral became Church of England.
Today it is very much a working Cathedral, opening hours are frequently
changed for religious events so do check in advance.
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Oldest
Clock In Cathedral |
For
visitors this is not a Cathedral that you just wander in, there is
an admission fee, (officially a donation). Most people just wander
through the Cathedral, ending up at the Chapter House for the Magna
Carta.
There is a good sized gift shop and restaurant by the cloisters.
Volunteer guides are very good and enthusiastic and worth taking advantage
off, though on Sundays probably won't be available.
Tower Tours (extra charge) are very popular, lasting up to 2 hours
and should be booked in advance.
Sundays are not a great day to visit with services, non availability
of volunteer guides and often closed off sections. Access to the Chapter
House and Magna Carta is not always as advertised.
Most people who just walk through the Cathedral take up to an hour.
There is a reasonably priced self guided walking tour book available
on entrance.
The main attraction is the architecture, Magna Carta and history.
In the nave you can see what is probably the oldest working mechanical
clock in the world, dating to 1386. There are no hands and no clock
face; rather, it rings a chime of bells every hour. It was originally
built to call the bishops to services.
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Salisbury
Cathedral Official Web Site
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Salisbury
Close
Just
as there is more to the cathedral than the spire, so there is more
to the city than the cathedral. A wide green space, The Close, surrounds
the Cathedral.The
Close, essentially a walled city within the city, is ringed by wonderful
period houses.
Mompesson
House
A perfect example of Queen Anne architecture and was built for Charles
Mompesson in 1701. It is noted for its elegant and spacious interior,
especially the magnificent plasterwork and fine oak staircase. See
the important Turnbull collection of 18th century drinking glasses,
fine period furniture and charming walled garden with its garden tea
room. Mompesson House featured as Mrs Jennings' London home in the
award-winning film `Sense and Sensibility`. Mompesson House is now
owned by the National Trust. |
Wardrobes Military Museum Cathedral Close
Salisbury Museum Cathedral Close |
Wardrobes
Military Museum
The Wardrobe dates from 1254. It is known as the Wardrobe having
been used as a clothing and document store by bishops in the 14th
century.
The Wardrobe now tells the absorbing story of the Royal Berkshire
Regiment, the Wiltshire Regiment and the Duke of Edinburgh's Royal
Regiment.
Salisbury
Museum
Salisbury Museum is the home of the award-winning, redesigned Stonehenge
Gallery, the Monkton Deverill gold torc, and the now famous Warminster
Jewel and the famous `Amesbury Archer`.
Displays include Early Man, the Romans and Saxons, history of Old
Sarum and Salisbury (with the renowned Giant and Hob Nob), the Pitt
Rivers collection, pottery, porcelain and Wedgwood in beautiful
17th century rooms, a pre-NHS surgery, costume, lace and embroidery.
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