Salisbury Cathedral

History

Salisbury CathedralSalisbury Cathedral is the finest 13th Century Cathedral in Britain. Built in just 38 years from 1220 to 1258, the Cathedral is situated on a green field site a few miles south of Old Sarum where the previous Cathedral in Sarum (now Salisbury) had been.

The Cathedral was constructed to inspire and reflect the glory of God in stone and glass. Today, the cathedral remains an awe-inspiring setting for huge, majestic events, yet also a place for quiet prayer and reflection. Immortalised by Constable in his paintings, the Cathedral was more recently judged to be the Best View in Britain by Country Life magazine. Speaking about the Cathedral and its setting, Bill Bryson (Notes from a Small Island) said “There is no doubt in my mind that Salisbury Cathedral is the single most beautiful structure in England and the Close around it the most beautiful space”

 

Architecture

Salisbury Cathedral is a magnificent example of Early English Gothic architecture. Situated in the largest and best preserved medieval Close in Britain, amidst picturesque historic buildings and ancient stone walls it is surrounded by eight acres of lawns. The main body of the Cathedral was consecrated in 1258 with the Cloisters, Chapter House and West Front all
completed by 1266. The spire (the tallest in Britain, 123m/404ft), was added a generation later between 1310 and 1330.

Attractions

Discover the Cathedral’s history and treasures on a tour with one of our volunteer guides or at your own pace with our self-guiding leaflet. Europe’s oldest working clock (AD 1386) is now situated in the Nave aisle of the Cathedral. The clock has no face, simply designed to strike the
hours and was originally housed in a separate bell tower in the Close, which was removed by James Wyatt during his restoration work between 1789 and 1792. Other treasures to find on your journey around the Cathedral include a model showing how the Cathedral was likely constructed, engravings by Lawrence Whistler, a stained glass window by William Morris and Co. and the stunning Prisoner of Conscience window made from Chartres blue glass by Gabriel Loire in 1980. The Cathedral Quire features the largest and earliest complete set of choir stalls
with intricate carvings and a magnificent selection of misericords. The Cathedral also hosts a wide variety of exhibitions throughout the year, please check the website to see if there will be any exhibitions in the Cathedral during your visit. Walk through the largest Cathedral Cloisters in the country to explore the Cathedral’s beautiful medieval Chapter House. Carved around the walls of the Chapter House are a unique 13th century stone frieze of bible stories from the Old Testament. In the Chapter House you will also find the finest preserved of only four surviving Magna Carta (AD 1215). Described by some as the foundation of democracy it established freedom for the church and trial by jury as well as addressing issues between King John and his Barons.

Climb 332 steps (in easy stages) by narrow staircases, through the roof spaces on a tour of the tower. During this 1 _ hour guided tour you will see the magnificent views down the length of the Nave from above. At the top of the tower, 225 feet above the ground, you can step outside to take in the panorama of the city of Salisbury spread out beneath you and look up inside the medieval spire (the tallest in Britain, 123m/404ft). The spire still retains the medieval wooden scaffold used to repair it following a hurricane in 1362 and many of the timbers have been dated back to the 1250s. Pre-booking recommended for this tour on 01722 555156.

Boy and girl choristers sing daily services, continuing a tradition of worship that goes back over 750 years. Throughout the year the Cathedral hosts many cultural and musical events. You might also catch one of the informal concerts given by visiting choirs, many from overseas, over a lunchtime during the summer

No visit to the Cathedral would be complete without a visit to the Refectory Restaurant and shop, now housed in a modern glass-roofed building which gives views to the spire soaring above. The Refectory is open daily (excl. Christmas Day) for morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea with all food freshly prepared daily in the restaurant.

Local Interest

Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum
Mompesson House (National Trust)
The Wardrobe Military Museum