Salisbury was initially organized in the historic 11th century, as Viking raids on Wilton driven individuals to where the town is now. Officially Salisbury was founded in 1217 – a couple of years later the town held an annual fair and had it’s own marketplace. It was presented a charter (an official settlement status where the people were presented certain rights) a few years later on (in 1227).
Salisbury’s gem in the crown is the impressive Cathedral, established between 1220 and 1258. The Cathedral has continued for the most part undisturbed throughout the centuries, with the exception of the addition of the soaring steeple – which at 404 feet is the tallest in England. The spire was added to the Cathedral in 1315, though work only initially began in 1285.
Because of Salisbury’s strategic location (it was en route to both London, Exeter & Southampton) the town rapidly flourished – the wool fabric trade being it’s major source of repute and income in the middle ages. In 1220, construction began on Salisbury Cathedral although it was not completed for a further 38 years.
Another renowned Salisbury landmark, Mompesson House, was established in 1701, and Salisbury museum was instituted in 1860. The first cinema was developed in the early 19th century. Now, as you might anticipate, tourism is the main “business” for Salisbury with it’s interesting landmarks and scenic old English village feel.
In actual fact, Salisbury Cathedral was first constituted at a different location – on a hill named Old Sarum (which is a few miles north of where Salisbury is now). Unfortunately, shortly after the first Cathedral was developed in 1092, it was razed and destroyed by severe lightening.
Salisbury Cathedral has various fascinating artefacts, tombs and monuments to savor. There is a advised donation to get in, but it’s well worth the gift and your funds will assist contribute towards the upkeep of the Cathedral.
One of the highlights of the Cathedral is the worlds oldest operational clock, which dates back as far as 1386. Don’t anticipate 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 perished in the Crusades). Situated in the south choir aisle is the Tomb of the Earl of Hertford. Close is Mompesson Tomb – exemplifying Sir Richard Mompesson and his wife, Lady Katherine,.
The oldest part of the place is the Trinity Chapel (which used to be recognised as Lady Chapel). For a little inspiration, visit the Carta House which houses one of the four remaining Magna Carta scribes – maybe the most influential and important legal document in Englands history. The Magna Carta was issued by King John in 1215 and put 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 numerous historic buildings and was built up over time alongside the Cathedral to be a component of it. The Cathedral Close was fenced in during 1333. Part of Cathedral Close is The Kings House which was built up by the Abbots of Sherbourne. Likewise part of the Cathedral Close is Mompesson House, constructed 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.
Close to Salisbury Cathedral is the stunning St Thomas Church, dating back to the twelfth century. One of the most scenic characteristics of this parish church is the Doom Painting over the chancel arch which must not be left out. While the church itself was constructed around 1220, the painting itself was completed in 1475.
Any vacation or short trip to Wiltshire must include Stonehenge. It’s one of the most historical landmarks of England and it’s mien has captivated visitors from all around the world for decades.
Maybe, one of the reasons why Stonehenge has such appealingness is it’s secret – because while there has been a plenty of speculation on what it is and who developed it…not one knows quite for sure.
Many say that Stonehenge is an historical synagogue, others articulate a burial site, and there are as well those that believe it was initially constructed as a kind of observation tower. We’ll in all probability never know which of these is true.
Nowadays, you can visit Stonehenge but since 1978 the main stone area has been cordoned off because visitor interaction was damaging the stones. You can nevertheless get really close to it though. This ring of historical stones is reckoned to date back 5,000 years – which makes it all the more incredible that a structure like this could have been assembled so long ago. It would have taken a lot of time, organization and manual labour to construct it.
In fact, it’s thought that Stonehenge was made over a 1,500 year period (starting as early as 3,000 BC). It’s thought that the rocks were purchased from Wales (Prescelly Mountains) which lies 240 mis to the west of Salisbury. Every stone would have weighed 4 tons, and would most probably have been pulled by roller and sledge from Wales to Milford Haven, from which place they would have been loaded onto boats which would navigate towards Somerset. From here, they would have been transported on land again to their intended position in Salisbury.
The admission 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.
Immobilienmakler Heidelberg Makler HeidelbergSource by Roger Ramey