First, let’s be clear about which Salisbury Cathedral we’re talking about, just so you don’t get on the wrong bus.

The first attempt to build a Cathedral was actually two miles from Salisbury, on the site of an Iron Age hillfort known today as Old Sarum. Its foundations are still visible, close to where a royal castle stood, erected after the Norman conquest of England by William the Conqueror in 1066.

But that’s a story for another time. This short guide is about the other, newer Salisbury Cathedral. 

What is Salisbury Cathedral?

Recognised as a medieval masterpiece of Early English Gothic design and one of England’s ‘must-see’ historical attractions, Salisbury Cathedral is, in fact, a living Anglican church where services are held, and everyone is welcome. Visitors can sometimes see preparations or rehearsals for concerts, services and weddings, hear choristers rehearsing for Evensong or the organist practicing.

The cathedral describes itself as a place where ‘music is central to our services and is led by our talented choirs and musicians’, and each week the Sunday Eucharist and Evensong services can be seen on the cathedral’s YouTube channel.

When was Salisbury Cathedral built?

The magnificent structure took some 38 years to build between 1220 and 1258, which was actually a relatively short period for 800 years ago. It stands on sodden foundations some 4ft deep, which meant the bishops often held services up to their knees in water. 

As for the amazing spire itself, that was an afterthought and was constructed between 1310 and 1330. Because it added 6,500 tons to the overall structure, flying buttresses and scissor arches had to be added to stop the whole edifice from collapsing.

How tall is Salisbury Cathedral?

The tower and spire are marvels of engineering expertise and feature incredibly intricate and innovative building techniques for their time. Soaring to 404 ft above the ground, they’re visible for travellers to Salisbury from miles around.

Visitors can access the tower by taking the exclusive ‘Tower Tour’, which takes them all the way up to the base of the spire, from where they have a view of the interior of the hollow spire and the ancient wooden scaffolding inside it.

Visiting Salisbury Cathedral.

Just some of the Cathedral’s other visitor attractions are: 

• The best preserved of only four surviving original 1215 Magna Carta copies.
• The world’s oldest working mechanical clock built in 1386.
• Paintings, sculpture, architecture, textiles and more, plus regular contemporary art exhibitions and installations.
• The unique font designed by renowned British water sculptor William Pye.
• A range of ‘Behind the Scenes’ tours and demonstrations, including visiting the fascinating Stonemasonry Works Yard.
• Free demonstrations and tours scheduled throughout the week, including regular Stained Glass Window Tours and demonstrations of the Medieval Clock.

Retire in Salisbury at Finch House.

Turn old ideas of retirement on their head at Finch House. Not far from the centre of Salisbury, Finch House is part of the life-loving Chapters community where we’ve created a series of beautiful, affordable homes together with an exciting social environment for over 55s.

Enjoy new hobbies and social opportunities for sharing fun, friendship and laughter in a young-at-heart community of independently-minded people, with access to an excellent range of facilities.

To book a viewing, register your interest.