Salisbury was initially organized in the historic 11th century, when Viking raids on Wilton brought people to where the town now stands. Officially, Salisbury was founded in 1217; a couple of years later, the town held an annual fair and had its own market. A charter (an official settlement status where certain rights were granted to the people) was presented a few years later (in 1227).
The jewel in Salisbury’s crown is the impressive Cathedral, established between 1220 and 1258. The Cathedral has remained largely intact over the centuries, with the exception of the addition of the bell tower, which at 404 feet is the tallest. England high. The spire was added to the Cathedral in 1315, although work only initially began in 1285.
Due to Salisbury’s strategic location (it was on the way to London, Exeter and Southampton), the city flourished rapidly, the woolen cloth trade being its main source of reputation and income in the Middle Ages. In 1220, construction began on Salisbury Cathedral, although it was not completed for another 38 years.
Another renowned Salisbury landmark, Mompesson House, was established in 1701, and the Salisbury museum was established in 1860. The first cinema developed in the early 19th century. Now, unsurprisingly, tourism is Salisbury’s main ‘business’, with its interesting sights and quaint old English village atmosphere.
In fact, Salisbury Cathedral was first established in a different place: on a hill called Old Sarum (which lies just a few miles north of where Salisbury now stands). Unfortunately, shortly after the first Cathedral was developed in 1092, it was leveled and destroyed by strong lightning.
Salisbury Cathedral has several fascinating artifacts, tombs and monuments to savor. A donation is recommended for entry, but the gift is well worth it and your funds will help contribute to the upkeep of the Cathedral.
One of the highlights of the Cathedral is the world’s oldest working clock, dating back to 1386. Don’t anticipate anything resembling a clock as you know it.
There are a few tombs of interest inside the Cathedral: the Tomb of St Osmund (the second bishop of Old Sarum) and the Tomb of William Dr. Longespee (a general who perished in the Crusades). Located in the south aisle of the choir is the Grave of the Earl of Hertford. Nearby is the tomb of Mompesson, who exemplifies Sir Richard Mompesson and his wife, Lady Katherine.
The oldest part of the place is the Chapel of the Trinity (which used to be recognized as the Chapel of the Virgin). For some inspiration, visit Carta House, home to one of the four remaining scribes of Magna Carta, perhaps the most influential and important legal document in English history. The Magna Carta was issued by King John in 1215 and established a clear set of rules and rights for citizens and individuals. Sure enough, the UK law was officially born.
It is also worth visiting the Cathedral grounds, which contain many historical buildings and were built over time alongside the Cathedral to form part of it. The cathedral enclosure was fenced off during 1333. Part of the cathedral enclosure is the King’s House, which was built by the abbots of Sherbourne. Also, part of the closure of the cathedral is the Mompesson House, built in 1701 by Sir Thomas Mompesson. Other notable attractions within Cathedral Close include Bishops Place, Malmesbury House, and St Ann’s Gate.
Close to Salisbury Cathedral is the impressive St Thomas Church, which dates back to the 12th century. One of the most scenic features of this parish church is the Death Painting over the chancel arch which is not to be missed. While the church itself was built around 1220, the painting itself was completed in 1475.
Any holiday or short trip to Wiltshire must include Stonehenge. It is one of England’s most historic monuments and its mine has captivated visitors from around the world for decades.
Perhaps one of the reasons why Stonehenge is so attractive is its secrecy, because while there has been much speculation about what it is and who developed it… no one knows for sure.
Many say that Stonehenge is a historic synagogue, others articulate a burial site, and there are also those who believe that it was initially built as some kind of observation tower. We will probably never know which of these is true.
Today, you can visit Stonehenge, but since 1978 the main stone area has been cordoned off because visitor interaction was damaging the stones. However, you can get very close to him. This ring of historic stones is estimated to date back 5,000 years, making it incredible that a structure like this was assembled so long ago. It would have taken a lot of time, organization, and manual labor to build it.
In fact, Stonehenge is believed to have been built over a period of 1,500 years (since 3,000 BC). The rocks are believed to have been purchased in Wales (Prescelly Mountains), which are 240 miles west of Salisbury. Each stone would have weighed 4 tons and would most likely have been hauled by rollers and sledges from Wales to Milford Haven, from where they would have been loaded onto ships sailing to Somerset. From here they would have been transported overland again to their intended position at Salisbury.
The ticket price to see Stonehenge is well worth it and includes an audio guide. There are also some sensational views of the Wiltshire countryside from here.