Pictures of Salisbury

About Salisbury

The soaring grace of Salisbury Cathedral's slender spire rises majestically over the town. Higher than any other in the land, at 404 feet, the spire can be seen against the skyline from all over Salisbury. The cathedral was begun in 1220 and was completed in just sixty years, its style is Early English Gothic and its magnificent west front with its rows of niches filled with statues of saints, remains just as it was in the 13th-century. The only addition since completion is the spire which was built in 1334. The chapter house is one of the most perfect of any cathedral, it is 58 feet wide, with graceful columns of Purbeck stone. These exquisite columns are a feature of the cathedral, and are most dramatic seen in the Lady Chapel. This is a church to be viewed and enjoyed, it has many historic treasures including a spectacular brass to Bishop Wyville, this dates 1375 - the Bishop is shown standing in a castle.

Many of the towns fine buildings can be seen near to the cathedral which is said to have the finest cathedral close in England. It is entered through medieval gateways, with medieval buildings inside, particularly the Bishop's Palace and the Deanery. An important painting of the cathedral painted from the Bishop's Palace gardens by John Constable, this is in the possession of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Bordering the streets beyond the cathedral close, is a fine clutch of timbered houses and inns. Peer above the bay windowed shops for a glimpse of delightful overhanging gables. The House of John A'Port in Queen Street (he was once Mayor of Salisbury) is an outstanding timber-frame black and white house of the 15th-century, as is the 16th-century Joiners Hall in St.Ann Street. The atmospheric Haunch of Venison is one of the town's oldest inns. It dates from around 1320 when it was a house, it is reputed to have a somewhat chequered history, having once been used as a brothel. The charming riverside Rose and Crown is from the 13th-century and is little changed since the time of Constable's famous masterpiece.

Salisbury's former prosperity came from its involvement with the wool and cloth trade, it has also had periods when agriculture was the backbone of its livelihood. Today, this fine town depends largely upon tourism and offers excellent leisure and pleasure facilities. There is a racecourse for flat racing to be found in the stunning surrounding countryside, and Stonehenge renowned world-wide for its towering mystic stones is one of life's "must see" experiences that has amazed and puzzled folk for thousands of years. The rural charm of Ackling Dyke lies on the Roman road from Salisbury to Dorchester.

With five attractive rivers to explore, museums to see, the splendid shopping centres of the Maltings and Wilton Village which opened in 1998, this is a town with something for everyone. It makes an idyllic destination for a romantic weekend, or for a longer stay to explore the wider landscape which includes the New Forest, Longleat and the Roman town of Bath.

Interesting & Historical Facts about Salisbury

The water table beneath Salisbury Cathedral is only four feet below the surface.

Salisbury facts | Wiltshire facts

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