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Salisbury Cathedral

Whether you are a first-time or a regular visitor to the city, the awesome sight of Salisbury Cathedral spire never fails to impress: soaring a breathtaking 123 metres (404 feet) into the sky, it is visible from every direction, dominating the landscape for many miles around. Salisbury is unique amongst medieval English cathedrals, built within one century with no substantial later additions. It is argueably the finest example of the Early English Gothic style of architecture in Britain.

2008, was a very special year for Salisbury Cathedral as it celebrated the 750th anniversary of the dedication of the completed Cathedral in 1258.

There is much to see and do in and around the Cathedral. The spacious and tranquil Close with its schools, historic houses and museums makes a fine setting for the Cathedral. In the Cathedral itself you'll find the best preserved of only four original Magna Carta (AD1215) - the famous agreement made between King John and his barons at Runnymede, the basic principles of which have been incorporated into the constitution of the USA, and Europe's oldest working clock (AD1386). Explore the roof spaces of the Cathedral on a tower tour, climbing 332 steps to the base of the spire, and admire the magnificent views across Salisbury.

" There is no doubt in my mind that Salisbury Cathedral is the single most beautiful structure in England and the close around it the most beautiful space." - Bill Bryson, Author

Insider's Guide to south Wilsthire

Find out more about Salisbury Cathedral - view a page from our Insider's Guide to South Wiltshire

Bigger window for Sunday visiting at Salisbury Cathedral this summer

Exploring Salisbury Cathedral has been made easier for Sunday visitors this summer. Between the May Bank Holiday weekend and August Bank holiday weekend - Sunday 30 May to Sunday 29 August inclusive - visitors will be able to enjoy a longer time in this beautiful and historic building, see its treasures and soak up its special atmosphere before Evensong takes place at the later time of 4.30pm.

The Dean of Salisbury, The Very Revd June Osborne, said: "We are aware that many visitors to our cathedral, including those who live in and around Salisbury, can only come at the weekend and have thought about what we can do to create a longer open period between our Sunday services. This later start time is an experiment which we hope will prove beneficial for them and also work for the congregation during the long light afternoons of summer. Of course, choral Evensong then provides the opportunity for visitors to hear the marvellous sound of the Cathedral choir."

Recommended viewing times for visitors on Sundays for these summer weeks are 12 noon - 4.00pm. It is hoped that visitors will make a voluntary donation as they visit the Cathedral and view the finest of the four remaining original 1215 Magna Carta in the Chapter House. Free guided tours with the friendly and specially trained volunteer guides are available as always, with extra guides on duty through the summer months.

Tower Tours on Sundays (2.00pm and 4.00pm during the summer months) can be booked in advance by telephoning 01722 555156. Visitors can explore the roof spaces, climbing the 332 steps to the base of the spire in relatively easy stages where there are breathtaking views over the surrounding town and countryside.

Refreshments are available from 9.30am - 5.30pm in the Cathedral's fully licensed Refectory Restaurant including morning coffee, freshly prepared lunches and afternoon tea.

Ground-breaking television event set to air worldwide this year

Salisbury Cathedral is delighted to announce a new partnership with Tandem Communications, who have just completed filming an eight-hour television series of Ken Follett's epic best-seller The Pillars of the Earth.

Arguably the world's largest television event this year, the star-studded cast includes Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, Matthew Macfadyen, Eddie Redmayne, Hayley Atwell, Sarah Parish, Donald Sutherland, Alison Pill and Gordon Pinsent. With production credits including Hollywood legend Sir Ridley Scott, the film will be completed in summer 2010.

The Pillars of the Earth tells the story of the building of the fictional 12th century Kingsbridge Cathedral in the South West of England through forty years of the lives of the main characters. Follett has stated the importance of Salisbury Cathedral as an inspiration for his book and the many parallels between Salisbury and the fictional Kingsbridge Cathedral. An amazing modern day connection is the presence in the film cast of David Oakes, educated in the Cathedral Close and the son of a current Salisbury Cathedral Canon, playing the dastardly William Hamleigh.

Ken Follett said: "When I started to look at cathedrals, I wondered: who built them, and why? The book is my answer to that question. I sat down to write Pillars almost 24 years ago and now I am very pleased to see it being brought alive in a new form, with great actors bringing their own interpretations to each character; I can't wait to see the final result.

The historical background in Pillars is authentic, but Kingsbridge and its people are fictional. Kingsbridge is located roughly where the present-day country town of Marlborough is, because there is no real-life cathedral nearby and the area is within a few days' horseback ride of several important medieval cities mentioned in the book, especially Winchester, Gloucester and Salisbury. My cathedral was partly inspired by Salisbury Cathedral and in its architecture the finished Kingsbridge Cathedral is like Salisbury, with rows of narrow, pointed 'lancet' windows. Indeed, parts of Salisbury's architecture have been filmed to be reproduced in Kingsbridge Cathedral."

David Coulthard, Director of Marketing at Salisbury Cathedral, said: "Having read The Pillars of the Earth, like millions of people around the world since it was first published in 1989, we are all looking forward very much to seeing its adaptation on the screen. We enjoyed showing director Sergio Mimica-Gezzan (Heroes, Saving Grace, Into the West) around this beautiful cathedral church when he visited us last year. He spent time taking detailed notes about the building and had input from our Consultant Archaeologist Tim Tatton Brown before sending his special effects photographers here in October 2009. We've been very impressed by the quality of the sets, the historical accuracy of the medieval furniture and the fabulous photography shot on location in Hungary and Austria."

Gothic text uncovered in Salisbury Cathedral after being hidden for over 350 years

Salisbury Cathedral Conservator Tom Beattie looks at the text found when the Henry Hyde Monument was removed from the South Aisle Wall in the Cathedral Salisbury Cathedral's team of Conservators found more than they expected when, as part of their on-going schedule of work, they removed the Henry Hyde Monument from the cathedral's South Aisle wall in order to repair and clean it. Hidden behind the monument they found the remains of some beautifully written English text, most probably dating from the 16th century.
Conservator Tom Beattie said, "Our first job of the new year was to remove, repair, clean and then re-fix the Henry Hyde Monument, which consists of forty-four pieces of marble alabaster and Chilmark stone. It was only when the inscription table at the centre of the monument was removed that we made the amazing discovery of some beautifully written English text. It has been painted on a lime wash base layer rather than on the stone itself. We are used to uncovering information about the fabric of the building as we go about our daily work as Conservators but this has to be one of the best finds. The wonder is that it is there - the notion that this monument was simply placed on top of this exquisite script some 350 years ago - and we are all left wondering what the writing was for and says."

Tim Tatton Brown, the Cathedral's Archaeologist, said "Sir Henry Hyde had been quietly buried in the cathedral in 1650 after his execution by Parliament for supporting King Charles I. This monument was erected soon after 1660 and refers to him as finishing life 'kissing the axe...to suffer the envied martyrdom of Charles I'. There are several lines of a large textual inscription. Unfortunately it has subsequently been whitewashed over making it difficult to read but the good gothic lettering is clearly visible. It needs a specialist to confirm what it is but I surmise that this is 16th century writing and my guess is that it is a biblical text, put there in the Elizabethan period when the nave was fitted out with high pews for people to sit in to listen to the 'new' sermons preached there. Inscriptions of the bible, the Word of God, would have been written on the inside walls of the building following the Reformation, having been translated into English in Cranmer's bible. It is wonderful to think this writing has been found and seen now for the first time in over 350 years - although it is just possible this writing was first uncovered during Gilbert Scott's restoration of the nave in the 1870s."

Discussions are now taking place to decide the best way forward. Canon Treasurer, Mark Bonney, said "It's a fascinating find but all these monuments the Conservators work on have to be put back into their places within a limited time span - and in this instance, by the middle of February. We think that the best approach is to consolidate the text to preserve it in its present state and then carry out a comprehensive photographic record of it before it is covered up again when the monument is returned to the wall. In many ways the text is far more vulnerable in its current state, exposed to the air, rather than hidden behind the Hyde monument."

A new look for Salisbury Cathedral's beautiful cloister garden

Extensive works to transform the beautiful cloister garden (garth) at Salisbury Cathedral will begin in March and be completed by Easter thanks to an anonymous donation from a keen horticulturalist with a particular interest in medieval history.
Canon Chancellor Edward Probert said, "We have long wanted to carry out this important work on the cloister garth - although we have managed to improve the appearance of the area in recent years we have not had the financial resources for a complete makeover like this. Subject to necessary approvals and permissions, the new garden will be simple but beautiful and the best possible counterpoint to the marvellous Gothic architecture which surrounds it. We are extremely grateful to our Canadian donor whose generosity will enable us to raise and level the grass area as well as simplify the planting. The raised grass will help to protect the hundreds of graves which over the years have become perilously close to ground level. A low box hedge will be planted around the edge of the garth replacing the shrubs and flowers planted in recent years which have grown so much that they now obscure both the garth and stonework as well as reducing natural light into the cloister walkways."

Tim Tatton-Brown, the Cathedral's Archaeologist, said, "We don't know if the garth had a function by the time the cloisters were completed in 1266 or whether it was simply a large and decorative open space, or had a little garden in it. Certainly the cloisters, the largest in 13th century Britain and quite elaborate with their great stone vaulted ceilings, were built as a status symbol of the Cathedral's great wealth at the time. The garth was probably used as a graveyard in the Middle Ages but what we do know is that the real change came in the mid-19th century, after the cloisters were restored, and all burials in The Close became concentrated into the garth. Today it is still a working churchyard for the Cathedral and treated with great respect by all those who visit."

In addition to the surface being raised and levelled, the marker stones will be raised and re-set in a newly laid lawn of heavy wear resistant grass. The existing plants around the garth will be lifted and sold and funds raised will go towards the care and upkeep of the new garden. 'Grasscrete' will be laid in the shape of a gothic arch at the entrance, located in the East Cloister. The donation also covers the cost of the critical few months following the works, after which the simplicity of the new garden will ensure that the maintenance requirements will be low.

Events at Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral's organ recital series 2010 features collaboration with JAM

Salisbury Cathedral is delighted to announce its collaboration with the John Armitage Memorial Trust (JAM) for the cathedral's prestigious Organ Recital Series 2010. Each of the seven recitals will feature a piece by a living British composer to fulfil JAM's remit to support new music, all the recitals will be recorded by JAM Chairman, Edward Armitage, and highlights from each will be used to make a CD. This collaboration will promote the organ recital series, JAM and new organ music.

Daniel Cook, Organist at Salisbury Cathedral and responsible for the series, is delighted with the collaboration. "Having performed as organist at various JAM concerts over the past five years, I am very excited that the Cathedral will be working with JAM. We had hoped to host one of their concerts here using our famous Father Willis organ. Unfortunately, because of its sharp pitch, this was not possible so we are delighted to be able to support the organisation in this way in what is a very exciting project for us all. So much work goes into preparing for a recital that it will be doubly rewarding for the performers to be able to share highlights from their concert with a wider audience."

"The recitals, held once a month on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm from April to October, showcase British players at every stage in their career. Richard Cook is organ scholar, at the very start of his career. Simon Bell, Ashley Grote and I all hold the post of Assistant Director of Music at our respective cathedrals - Winchester, Gloucester and Salisbury. Graham Barber has spent his playing career, which he has successfully combined with teaching, research and academia, at St Bartholomew's, Leeds, with its famous Schulze organ. Iain Quinn has taken the British flag to America, like so many others, and is Director of Music at the Cathedral Church in Albuquerque. Peter King, Director of Music at Bath Abbey, is at the pinnacle of his career. It should be fascinating to see how each performer responds to the glories of our famous organ."

Tickets for each recital, price £8.00, are available in advance from Salisbury Playhouse box office, 01722 320333 or at the door on the night.

Salisbury Cathedral announces major sculpture exhibition in Autumn 2010
LIMINALITY: Toward the Unknown Region

Monday 13 September - Friday 12 November 2010

Liminality Eight renowned British based sculptors respond to and explore the theme of Liminality, or transitional space, using the spectacular surroundings of Salisbury Cathedral as their inspiration and canvas. The two month exhibition 'LIMINALITY: Toward the Unknown Region' features large scale, three dimensional works in a wide range of materials created by Jason Battle ARBS, Sean Henry ARBS, James Jones, Jonathan Loxley, Rebecca Newnham, Keith Rand RSA, Roger Stephens, and Benjamin Storch.

Their artworks will be positioned in and around the Cathedral. Specialist guides, including exhibition curator and sculptor Jacquiline Creswell, will be available to lead tours giving an insight into the artists and their work for a limited number of pre-booked groups.
Director of Marketing, David Coulthard, said "This major exhibition of contemporary sculpture inspired by Salisbury Cathedral promises to offer a spectacular counterpoint to the building's awe inspiring 750 year old architecture. All the artists exhibiting are either local or have a close relationship with the Cathedral. We hope their work will appeal to new visitors and bring others back to see these sculptures temporarily offering a different perspective on this sacred space."

Salisbury Cathedral is already rich in contemporary artworks including pieces by Elizabeth Frink, Gabriel Loire, William Pye and Emily Young. The Cathedral welcomes visitors every day from 8.30am to 6.15pm. If you are visiting on a Sunday, recommended viewing times are 12.00noon - 2.30pm or after 4.00pm (services are held at 8.00am, 9.15am, 10.30am and 3.00pm). For further details visit www.salisburycathedral.org.uk or telephone 01722 555120.

THE THORNFLOWER sculpture visits Salisbury Cathedral

Detail from The Thornflower Charlotte Mayer's beautiful and thought-provoking bronze sculpture 'The Thornflower', which grew out of her reflections on the death of her grandmother in Treblinka and 'man's inhumanity to man at other times', will be exhibited in the Morning Chapel at Salisbury Cathedral for six months from 16 October, a period which includes both Remembrance-tide and Holocaust Memorial Day.

The Thornflower takes the form of three petal-like diametrically-opposite configurations, created from the shapes of crescent moons. These blossoms, soft and fragile, are held high by five stems of brutal thorns set into a circular bronze base. The sculpture is at the same time soft and fluid, rigid and sharp, rounded and straight, and the warm and rich golden flowers contrast with the cold dark grey of the steel thorns.

In Mayer's words, "Making a piece of sculpture does not usually include writing a story. The Thornflower sculpture, however, is more than just a piece of sculpture. It is the story of a journey from duality to unity. It is also, in part, a story of healing. The story begins with my Grandmother, Ruzena."

The Thornflower can be seen, alongside other pieces of Mayer's work, during the cathedral's usual visitor opening times. Further information: www.salisburycathedral.org.uk Admission free.