Salisbury Cathedral
- About the place
- Visitors information
History
Salisbury Cathedral is the finest 13th Century Cathedral in Britain. Built in just 38 years from 1220 to 1258, the Cathedral is situated within 8 acres of lawn 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 spectacular events, yet also a place for quiet prayer and reflection. Immortalised by Constable in his paintings, the Cathedral has often been judged to be the ‘best view in Britain’in various public polls. Bill Bryson in ‘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 and is situated in the largest and best preserved medieval Close in Britain, amidst picturesque historic buildings and ancient stone walls. 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 at 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.
Treasures to find on your journey around the Cathedral include Europe’s oldest working clock (AD 1386), a diorama 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. Boy and girl choristers sing daily services, continuing a tradition of worship that goes back over 750 years.
You can then 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 1.5 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)
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
The Wardrobe Military Museum
Wilton House
Stonehenge