Salisbury Cathedral has been one of the most popular and beloved destinations in Britain for more than 750 years. Not only is it a place to seek spiritual inspiration, it is also the home of the best preserved of the four original copies of the Magna Carta in existence.
The Magna Carta was drafted in Medieval times when England was under a feudal system of government. The landowner barons quarreled with their King over oppressively high taxes following the defeat of England by France in 1214. The Magna Carta was the result of talks between King John, the church and the barons to restructure the balance of power between the Crown and the people, holding even the king accountable to the law. King John put his seal on the document June 15, 1215.
The Magna Carta is now on display in the Chapter House along with beautiful works of art which stretch around the walls and feature scenes from the books of Exodus and Genesis circa 1250.
Salisbury Cathedral can be found in the city of Salisbury, the only city in the county of Wiltshire and has a population of about 50,000 people. It is a cathedral city located on the south-eastern side of England.
Construction on the Salisbury Cathedral began in 1220 after permission was granted to Bishop Richard le Poore by the Pope to replace the Norman cathedral at Old Sarum which was in poor repair. By 1284 the Cathedral and tower were completed and the magnificent spire was completed in 1330.
Salisbury Cathedral is unique in its uniform design, with no major additions other than the spire being added after completion. Most cathedrals in Britain have had additions made over the centuries in differing styles. Also adding to the harmony and continuity of design, the stone for the Cathedral was all brought from the quarry at nearby Chilmark, just 12 miles from the site, including the stone for the spire.
Visiting Salisbury Cathedral is a memorable experience. The Cathedral is a magnificent, beautifully crafted structure that inspires a sense of awe in those who make the sojourn. Entering the fine Gothic Cathedral, visitors find a fully functional house of worship that holds regular religious ceremonies. Tours can be either self guided or a volunteer guide will be happy to show visitors around.
Tower Tours are a very popular addition when visiting Salisbury Cathedral and take around 2 hours with advance booking recommended. The Tower and spire measure 404 feet and are the tallest in England, with visitors climbing 332 steps to reach the top. Once arriving, amazing views of the surrounding landscape and the town of Salisbury await along with an intriguing look at the inside of the spire.
On display in the nave is what is believed to be the oldest mechanical clock in the world still working, circa 1386. The clock has no hands or face and instead sounds a chime every hour. The original function of the clock was for calling the bishops to church services.
Salisbury Close is the walled city "within the city" that surrounds the Cathedral. While exploring the Close, many enjoy visiting the museums found there which are the former residences of the inhabitants of the "walled city."
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