Salisbury Cathedral from the East. Photo by: Antony McCallum- Wikimedia.

Top 10 Interesting Facts about the Salisbury Cathedral


 

The story of this magnificent cathedral begins in 1218, when the Bishop of Salisbury abandoned the original cathedral at Old Sarum and relocated to the banks of the Avon, where the Cathedral now stands. Follow the new family-friendly trail inside the Cathedral to learn about the reasons for the relocation and the people who made it possible.

When you enter this ancient work of art, you will be immersed in over 800 years of history, worship, and music. All are welcomed,  whether you are attending a service, visiting with family, friends, or on your own.

When it comes to buildings that should be on your bucket list, this should be at the very top. Forget the Empire State Building and the Eiffel Tower, and instead focus on a structure that dates back centuries. Now, relax and enjoy these fascinating facts about Salisbury Cathedral!

Check the schedule before you go – the Cathedral hosts a variety of tours, music concerts, and family-friendly events all year round. It is also dog friendly – as long as your pet is well mannered and on a leash!

When you arrive, informed volunteer guides will greet you and answer any questions you may have. If there are enough guides, they will gladly give you a free tour of the Cathedral floor.

1. The name was shortened 

Salisbury Cathedral. Photo by: Decan- Wikimedia.

It was previously known as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was quite a mouthful!

2. The cathedral is a historical feature 

The structure is an Anglican church and a key example of Early English architecture. It relocated from Old Sarum to its current location. The original site is among the most historically significant area in southern England, with parts dating back to 400 BC. 

3. Salisbury Cathedral is tallest building in England

Salisbury Cathedral’s tower has been the tallest building in England since the late 16th century, standing at 404 feet/123 meters.

4. Chapter house has all the historic artifacts 

Salisbury Cathedral is home to the best-preserved of the four remaining Magna Carta copies. Take a guided tour of the cathedral to get the most out of it. Professional guidelines will ensure that you don’t miss any of the exciting highlights. 

The Chapter House of Salisbury Cathedral houses the best maintained of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta (Latin for “Great Charter”). It was primarily a political remedy at the time, but it has since become noted as a core element of freedom, impacting much of the developed world.

The Salisbury duplicate came to the cathedral because Elias of Dereham was present at Runnymede in 1215 when King John signed the original. Elias was tasked with supplying copies of the constitution, and when he was appointed canon at Salisbury, he brought one with him.

To aid in the preservation of the Magna Carta, the copy at Salisbury is kept in a temperature and humidity controlled environment, away from the effects of the UV radiation.

5. Largest cathedral close in England, United Kingdom

At 80 acres, Salisbury Cathedral Close is the largest in the United Kingdom. If you’re searching for a peaceful place to unwind, look no further! It has plenty of ideal picnic spots where you can sit back and admire the gigantic tower.

6. Nearby beautiful landscapes 

Salisbury Cathedral from the East. Photo by: Antony McCallum- Wikimedia.

Stonehenge, one of the world’s most amazing attractions, is only 9 miles from Salisbury. For 4,500 years, the prehistoric landmark has stood proudly in the Wiltshire rural areas.

7. Beautiful shopping center, unique shops

With over 200 independent retailers, Salisbury provides a one-of-a-kind shopping experience and the chance to explore items that are not usually found on other up street areas.

Salisbury has a long history of arts and culture dating back 800 years. Tourists from all over the world attend the Salisbury International Arts Festival. Salisbury Playhouse is a leading producing theatre in the United Kingdom.

Fisherton Mill is the South West’s biggest private art gallery. The city is an innovative in all kinds of ways.

8. Long lived markets that are still open!

Salisbury Cathedral Close map. Photo by: Karl Gruber- Wikimedia.

The Charter Market in Salisbury is one of the oldest in the United Kingdom. It has been in operation since 1227, seven years after the construction of Salisbury Cathedral began!

Every week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays,  you would be immersed in the good atmosphere.

Not only has the market been operating for a long time, but Salisbury’s fair is also one of the longest running in the country. King Henry III granted the Bishop of Salisbury a Charter in 1227 to hold a fair on the third Monday in October, and it has been held every year since.

9. The oldest clock in the world 

The world’s oldest clock, discovered in an attic of the cathedral in 1929, had struck the hours for 498 years and ticked over 500 million times. As all clocks from that era rang out the hours on a bell, the clock has no face. It was previously housed in a bell tower, which was demolished in 1792.

Following its demolition, the clock was relocated to the Cathedral Tower, where it remained in use until 1884. It was repaired and made operational again in 1956. The clock received remedial work and repairs in 2007.

10. Jay Z visited the Cathedral for his album release

It’s unclear if Jay Z saw the article, but the last time the cathedral made international headlines was when he released his widely panned album Magna Carta Holy Grail there.

The album artwork was displayed alongside a few of the charter’s four surviving copies. It was on display throughout July, and Jay Z went to see it.

It also sparked a lot of conspiracy theory suppositions about Jay Z’s ties to that favorite conspiracy theory organization, the Illuminati. According to one theory, King John, who signed the Magna Carta, was financially supported by the Templar Knights, who evolved into the Freemasons, who evolved into the Illuminati, who now dominate the world. 

 

 

 

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