Salisbury - Wiltshire; An Area Of Ancient History And Beautiful Architecture

The city of Salisbury is found in the south eastern part of Wiltshire

, England and it has a long and diverse history. The old name of this city is New Sarum to differentiate itself from an ancient settlement to the north called Old Sarum. There is still evidence of an Iron Age fort that the Romans referred to as Sorviodunum. The Saxons called the area Searsbyrig and the Normans called the are Sereberi. The current city was established in 1220.

This is a cathedral city and the original Salisbury Cathedral was built on the hill designated as Old Sarum around 1075 to 1092 and was rebuilt larger in 1120. Because the clergy could not get along with the governing authorities and military of Old Sarum they decided to build another cathedral in another place and the building of the new cathedral began in 1220 in New Sarum. It took 38 years to build this beautiful cathedral and some of it was built from stones quarried in Old Sarum. The cathedral is marked by a 404 foot tall spire being the tallest in the UK that was built in 1258. It is said that there are as many pillars in the cathedral as there are hours in one year. Inside is four preserved copies of the Magna Carta and the oldest mechanical clock in England that was built in 1386.

The cathedral was built in a big meadow that was called Merrimeadow and today the cathedral is surrounded by a pool of green grass that is called the Close. In the fourteenth century a wall was built around the close and five gates were installed to gain access from all parts of the city. The composer of the Messiah, George Fredrick Handel was in residence in a room above St. Anne's Gate and was able to compose several pieces there. Around the Close are beautiful houses and you can explore several of the historic homes. One is the Mompresson House which is part of the National Trust. Another is the Malmesbury House that was constructed in 1327. They are both built in Georgian style.

South Wiltshire Museum is in Salisbury and is housed in the King's House, a structure built during the thirteenth century that sits across the street from Salisbury Cathedral. Stonehenge gallery is the biggest exhibit where an interactive display takes you through the history of that ancient site. A collection of General Augustus Pitt Rivers who is considered the Father of Modern Archeology is also housed in the museum. The children will love the exhibit where they can dress in historical costume of the area.

The Market Place has been the home of an outdoor market since 1227 and there used to be several crosses, or outdoor pavilions, situated in the area that signified what kind of wares were sold there. The only one that remains today is the Poultry Cross. The Duke of Buckingham was executed in Market Square in 1483 because he hid Richard the III on his property.

The Wardrobe is a museum found near Market Place and takes the place of the old medieval bishop's storehouse. A cannon graces the front and the coach house next door is now a lovey tea room where you can order food during the summer. The museum houses a military exhibition. Make sure to take a look oat the incredible garden that is adjacent to River Avon.

The ruins of the old castle is still in Old Sarum although there is no trace of the old cathedral. Stonehenge can be visited just a few miles from town. You can always hop on a tour that goes to Stonehenge or go on one that explains the history of the area and goes to Salisbury Castle.

by: Frederick Hoymer.

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