Salisbury
Cathedral - One Of Southern England's Prime Landmarks...
Salisbury’s
jewel in the crown is
the awesome Cathedral, built between 1220 and 1258. The Cathedral has
remained
largely undisturbed throughout the centuries, with the exception of the
addition
of the towering spire – which at 404 feet is the tallest in
England. The spire
was added to the Cathedral in 1315, though work only initially started
in 1285.
In
actual fact, Salisbury Cathedral
was first founded at a different location – on a hill called
Old Sarum (which
is a few miles north of where Salisbury is now). Unfortunately, shortly
after
the initial Cathedral was built in 1092, it was ravaged and destroyed
by severe
lightening.
Salisbury
Cathedral has several
interesting artefacts, tombs and monuments to enjoy. There is a
suggested
donation to enter, but it’s well worth the gift and your
funds will help
contribute towards the upkeep of the Cathedral.
One
of the highlights of the Cathedral
is the worlds oldest working clock, which dates back as far
as 1386.
Don’t expect anything that looks like a clock as you know it.
There
are some tombs of interest
within the Cathedral – the Tomb of St Osmund,
(the second Bishop of Old
Sarum) and Tomb of William dr Longespee (a general
who died in the
Crusades). Located in the south choir aisle is the Tomb of
the Earl of
Hertford. Nearby is Mompesson Tomb
– representing Sir Richard
Mompesson and his wife, Lady Katherine,.
The
oldest part of the place is the Trinity
Chapel (which used to be known as Lady Chapel). For a little
inspiration,
visit the Carta House which houses one of the four remaining Magna
Carta scribes
– possibly the most influential and important legal document
in Englands
history. The Magna Carta was issued by King John in 1215 and laid out a
clear
set of rules and rights for citizens and persons. Effectively, UK law
was
officially born.
Also
worth a visit is the Cathedral
Close – which contains many old buildings and was
developed over time
alongside the Cathedral to be a component of it. The Cathedral Close
was walled
in during 1333. Part of Cathedral Close is The Kings House
which was
built by the Abbots of Sherbourne. Also part of the Cathedral Close is Mompesson
House, built in the 1701 by Sir Thomas Mompesson. Other
landmarks of note
within the Cathedral Close are Bishops Place, Malmesbury House
and St
Ann’s Gate.
Nearby
to Salisbury Cathedral is the
resplendent St Thomas Church, dating back to the
twelfth century. One of
the most beautiful features of this parish church is the Doom Painting
over the
chancel arch which must not be missed. While the church itself was
built around
1220, the painting itself was completed in 1475.
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