Salisbury Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is an Anglican cathedral located in Salisbury, England. It is considered the best example of Early English Gothic design, built between 1220 and 1258. The cathedral is primarily built in the city and boasts the UK’s tallest church spire (123m), largest cloister, and largest cathedral close. It also houses the world’s oldest working mechanical clock dating back to around 1386 and has a magnificent interior.
The cathedral is home to the four best original copies of the Magna Carta, including the oldest working clock in the world. It was the first major cathedral to be built on an unobstructed site, resulting in some of its original decoration and furnishings being lost. However, the interior has been redesigned with new features, such as stained glass and small chapels.
The interior layout of Salisbury Cathedral is a marvel of spatial design and artistic embellishment, featuring a lofty nave flanked by graceful aisles and intricate vaulting. The style used is known as Early English Gothic or Lancet Gothic, which refers to the use of lancet windows without tracery. The cathedral’s interior layout includes the liturgical heart, aisles, ambulatory, nave, and cloisters, as well as processions.
The cathedral is perforated by a triforium gallery, leaving an external wall of less than 2 feet thick. The structure is a skeleton made up of pillars, buttresses, ribbed vaults, and arches, with the thrust of the vault due to their oblique arched shape. The cathedral’s serenity and splendor make it a must-see for anyone interested in the history and architecture of Salisbury Cathedral.
📹 The Secrets Of Salisbury Cathedral | The Tallest Spire in Britain
‘The Secrets of Salisbury Cathedral | The Tallest Spire in Britain’ Join Alice Loxton as she explores the secrets of Salisbury …
Can you take photos inside Salisbury Cathedral?
Salsbury Cathedral and its Close are privately owned spaces that provide a unique backdrop for filming and photography. Visitors and students are welcome to photograph the Cathedral and Close, but permission is required for other purposes. The Close, spanning from 1220 to the present day, is a unique and varied space. To request permission, contact press@salcath. co. uk. The Cathedral Close was used in BBC’s Great Expectations in 2022.
What is the most memorable architectural feature of Salisbury Cathedral?
The cathedral, originally designed as a square crossing tower, was later expanded in the 14th century with two stories and a pointed spire in 1330. This added over 6, 000 tons of weight to the supporting structure, necessitating additional buttressing. The spire has never been straight and now tilts to the southeast by 27 inches. Over the centuries, the cathedral has undergone heavy-handed restorations by architects like James Wyatt and Sir George Gilbert Scott, attempting to conform the building to contemporary tastes.
This has resulted in the interior losing some of its original decoration and furnishings, including stained glass and small chapels, and adding new items. Despite this, the cathedral’s regularity and clean lines remain refined and polished.
Sunlight has been a source of criticism from art historians, with Nikolaus Pevsner and Harry Batsford disliking the west front’s encrustation of statues and “variegated pettiness”. Victorian art critic John Ruskin found the building “profound and gloomy”, with its monochromatic scheme of Chilmark stone and Purbeck marble appearing gray upon gray in gray weather.
Is Salisbury Cathedral worth it?
The cathedral, situated in an idyllic location, provides complimentary guided tours of the exterior and cloister, though a nominal fee is required for participation. A visit to the cathedral is highly recommended for those in Salisbury.
What is inside Salisbury Cathedral?
Salisbury Cathedral, built in 38 years from 1220 to 1258, is a remarkable example of a large stone building without motorized equipment. It boasts the tallest spire in Britain, the best preserved Magna Carta, the oldest working clock in Europe, the largest cathedral cloisters and cathedral close in Britain, the largest choir stalls, and the highest vault in Britain. The cathedral’s extraordinary status is attributed to its construction on an unobstructed site, allowing architects and clerics to design and lay out the design exactly as they wanted.
The cloisters, started as a decorative feature only five years after the cathedral building was completed, have shapes, patterns, and materials that copy those of the cathedral interior. The cathedral’s unique design and construction make it a testament to the power of architecture and the importance of a well-planned and executed project.
What is special about Salisbury?
Salisbury Cathedral, located in southern England, is over 800 years old and has a 404 ft/123m spire, making it the tallest in England since the late 16th century. The cathedral houses the best-preserved of four remaining copies of the Magna Carta and the world’s oldest clock. Visitors can explore the remnants of the old settlement and take a guided tour with expert guides to ensure they don’t miss any interesting highlights.
What makes the Salisbury Cathedral unique?
Salisbury Cathedral, built in 1220, was funded by donations from canons and vicars of southeast England. The foundation stones were laid by William Longespée and Ela of Salisbury, 3rd Countess of Salisbury, on 28 April 1220. The cathedral was built on foundations only 4 feet deep due to the high water table on the new site. By 1258, the nave, transepts, and choir were complete. The cathedral has the most consistent architectural style of any medieval English cathedral, known as Early English Gothic or Lancet Gothic.
The only major sections started later were the cloisters, the chapter house, and the tower and spire, which dominated the skyline from 1330. The cathedral used 70, 000 tons of stone, 3, 000 tons of timber, and 450 tons of lead in its construction. Upon completion, it had the highest masonry spire in England and the third highest overall. Christopher Wren designed restoration measures to strengthen the central pillars in the 17th century.
In 1790, architect James Wyatt made significant changes to the cathedral, including the replacement of the original rood screen and demolition of a bell tower.
What is an unusual aspect of Salisbury Cathedral?
Salisbury Cathedral, a unique medieval structure, was built within a short period (1220-1258), resulting in a consistent Early English Gothic style. The West front features nearly 80 statues of saints, bishops, and kings, and features a scissor arches supporting the cathedral spire. The center features a silver figure, “an angel for our modern world”, by Antony Gormley, known as GRIP (Net).
Why is Salisbury famous?
Salisbury is a city known for its stunning cathedral and fascinating history, with its proximity to Stonehenge and Old Sarum, the first settlement’s deserted remains. The Cathedral Close, covering over 80 acres, is the largest of its kind in Britain and offers numerous museums and attractions, including The Salisbury Museum, the National Trust’s Mompesson House, and The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum.
Salisbury offers a variety of dining options, including fine dining, cafés, pubs, and traditional roasts. Wiltshire is particularly famous for its pork, Wiltshire Lardy Cake, and cheeses, all of which can be sampled in Salisbury. Overall, Salisbury offers a unique and enjoyable experience for visitors.
Is there a dress code for the Salisbury Cathedral?
Salisbury Cathedral, a place of worship and historical significance, requests that visitors dress in a manner that is respectful and in keeping with the traditions of the site. The author, Kalyani, has a profound interest in literature, anime, fashion, and felines. She subscribes to the philosophy of living in the moment and capturing each moment, with the ultimate goal of achieving happiness. No particular dress code is stipulated.
What stone is Salisbury Cathedral made of?
The construction of the tower and spire involved the use of 60, 000 tons of Chilmark stone and 10 tons of other materials. Additionally, 6, 500 tons of Purbeck marble from the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset were incorporated upon the tower and spire’s completion, which occurred around 1320.
How does Salisbury Cathedral differ from most?
Salisbury Cathedral is distinguished from the majority of French Gothic cathedrals by its horizontal emphasis and the use of lancet windows in lieu of rose windows.
📹 What’s inside beautiful Salisbury Cathedral?
In this weeks Cache Walk we are finding geocaches in and around beautiful Salisbury Cathedral in the south of England.
Thank you very much for this article! My favorite books are Pillars of the Earth and World Without End by Ken Follett. The Kingsbridge Cathedral is partially based on Salisbury Cathedral. I love taking in the stunning architecture and history of gothic Cathedrals! As an American we don’t have the beautiful centuries-old gothic Cathedral’s you have in the UK. I will always despise Henry VIII for his despicable Iconoclasm of English Cathedrals and Monasteries. Centuries of rich history, cultural, architecture, and art all wiped just so Henry VIII could enrich himself and divorce his wife. Whenever I look at an English Cathedral I try to imagine the stunning and vibrant rainbow of colorful murals and relics that you would have seen in the 1300’s. Imagine what the interior of Salisbury Cathedral looked like in it’s glory days! It breaks my heart that its all been replaced by bare and whitewashed stone.
Brilliant article! I used to work in Salisbury and one time after leaving work some bloke jumped out in front of my car with his hand held up – made me brake a bit smartish. Turns out it was Sir Edward Heath’s bodyguard! At least I got a little wave from Sir Edward as he crossed the road – He used to live in Cathedral Close, with his bodyguard in a little sentry box at the beginning of his pathway.
I have been fascinated with Salisbury Cathedral as a cleric and also because I loved “Sarum: The Novel of England,” which is a must read. I do hope to visit there one day. Thank you so much for a wonderful peek into the history and construction of this wonderfully gorgeous house of worship. And a special bit of gratitude to Alice and the History Hit crew for their hard work in making this come alive for those of us on the other side of the world. Blessings from the Pacific Northwest in the US.
@ 11:10 they mention one stone head, which looks as if it came from northern Africa. I am currently reading Edward Rutherford’s book, Sarum, which tells the building of this cathedral in great detail. The master stone mason (according to Rutherford) would look very much like that, at least according to his description. I’ve wondered if the name he used was true or fictitious: Osmond Mason. BTW, he was not from northern Africa but he did have a rather large head, flat nose and sort of big ears. Now I wonder if Rutherford saw this statue and used it as the basis for his character.
This is one of the most stunning things I’ve ever seen! I just couldn’t stop staring. The intricacies! I could have gone back every day for a week at least just to look at it. I was lucky enough to visit it with my grandparents- grandfather was a retired Anglican priest, and we visited many churches and abbeys (castles, colleges, historic sites, etc) the years. Then again, it is Britain- you can take one step and be in some battlefield or on a hike and find out you’re on a burial mound, or the garden you’re trying to establish brings up Roman coins or Bronze Age post holes!
Thank you for a lively and engaging article of Salisbury Cathedral. My Great Grandfather George Freemantle was Senior Verger of Salisbury Cathedral during the late 19C. The job came with a house (with a 99 year lease) in the close. He had three children there of which one survived until 1977. I remember visiting her in this house as a youngster listening to the clock bells chiming in the morning and walking around the cathedral. At that time (1970’s) there were modern sculptures in the close thankfully gone now.
At 11:03.. I can’t help but think that may be a carving of a Dwarf, or Little Person. The carving may be that of St John the Dwarf, who was known for his obedience to the church? And there is a connection with a stick in the ground… “John the Dwarf was a native of Basta in Lower Egypt. He retired to the desert of Skeet when a young man and became a disciple of St. Poemen. John lived a life of obedience, humility, and austerity the rest of his days. When he arrived at Skeet he is reputed to have watered a stick stuck in the ground unquestioningly when his spiritual director ordered him to do so; in the third year of his ministrations, it bore fruit. He left Skeet to escape marauder Berbers and settled on Mount Quolzum, where he died”. A coincidence?
The Magna Carta is largely defunt/superseded these days, albeit an important historical document Little of Magna Carta has any legal relevance to UK law. Most of it has been superseded by later legislation, most importantly the 1688 Bill of Rights which greatly extended the rights of the UK Parliament and UK citizens. William and Mary had to swear to adhere to the 1688 Bill of righhts before being accepted as Monarchs of the UK.
Salisbury Cathedral displays an original Magna Carta. Nearly every cathedral in England had its own Magna Carta prior to their takeover by the Anglicans when they nearly all suddenly “disappeared” because the first clause of Magna Carta says that the monarch has no jurisdiction in church matters – devastatingly destroying any C of E claim to legitimacy.
A pity that they did not show the magnificent pair of Cedars of Lebanon in the centre of the Cloister. They are heartstoppingly beautiful. The first time I saw them was over 30 years ago, at twilight on a misty Winter evening. The Cloister was deserted, and I was looking for the loo. . . I stepped from the church into the chill cloister, and then saw the trees, framed through the arches. Enchanted, I stepped forward to see their full height. I was so stunned with their beauty that I forgot to breathe, forgot to think, and simply stood there for an eternal moment when time STOPPED. In this place built and dedicated to the honour and glory of God, His blessing on it was sealed with the majestic grace of these living trees mentioned in the Bible as exemplars of Divine beauty. It was a mystical moment, one of the few times when I was overcome with wordless awe and wonder as an adult
Having just finished reading “Sarum” by Edward Rutherfurd which is a book about Salisbury and its environs from 3500 BCE up to 1985 finding this article feels serendipitous. While I’m grateful that Henry VIII didn’t tear down this particular cathedral it is so disgusting that he and his son Edward VI committed such sacrilege and cultural destruction on an important part of England’s cultural and civic heritage.
Yep, been there! Lived at a hotel in Aimsbury, nearby. Actually the same hotel The Beatles used when recording the film Help! On Churchroad. At the cathedral, we walked across the cealing and I asked the guide why there’s a double cealing. Why a loft? If the meaning with a high structure is to give a sense of reaching the sky/heavens, why have a cealing under the cealing? Anybody who knows? Is there a supporting reason? Or is it for making the cealing in a round shape? Please tell me!
every time you think, the Monty Pythons have overdone it, you check up with reality and realize: no, the didn’t just slammed themselves in he head with that thick book… that’s what they did to girls… for themselves it needed to be solid rock, to slam their heads in. You literally can’t make that up!
I just happened upon 3 of your articles last night and thoroughly enjoyed them, your enthusiasm is admirable but I have to say, adverts every 5 or 6 minutes totally kills your narrative. Maybe it’s out of your control, I really don’t know but it rather spoiled things. How about a visit to Exeter cathedral or Canterbury, or York minster next time?
Hi, I think it’s amazing how you modernized the process, but why would you not ask the worker doing the work, what they were doing ??? I think they would know better than anyone else, don’t you ?? I mean in a way, you have lost, the whole purpose of understanding the process to begin with ( by not asking the one doing the work, what they are doing ) The butterfly is an affirmation of life after death .( Or stages of existence ) sort of like a fish represents, a Christian ( or Christianity ) I find it really interesting that you found it,as your favorite .thank you, I love your articles, and I particularly liked this one . Einstein said ( proved ) energy never ceases to be, it only changes form .
My goodness that cathedral was breathtaking! I can’t imagine what it took for men to build that huge building back in the 1200’s. That’s ancient. Here in America, we don’t have historical things that go back that far. It’s rare to find a building that’s still standing pre-civil war era (1861-1865), but then again, we weren’t even a country until 1776… a mere 600+ years after this cathedral was built! Thanks for showing off another amazing location!