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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

>>View further information on visiting Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral’s Epiphany Procession

Salisbury Cathedral’s Epiphany Procession, the third and final of its popular processional services celebrating Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, takes place on Sunday 15 January 2012 at 4.30pm. 

A marvellous service of words and music it commemorates the journey of the Magi travelling from the East to worship the infant Jesus, and then follows His life through to adulthood.

Jeremy Davies,Canon Precentor at the Cathedral and responsible for its liturgy and music, said “The Feast of Epiphany on January 6 was for several hundred years the celebration of Christmas - and for Orthodox Christians it still is.  But Epiphany is also a season that takes us from January 6 through to February 2 and the Christian festival of Candlemas. Our  Epiphany Procession is placed midway through this period.  We focus on the Wise Men with their gifts but also celebrate God’s glory in Jesus’ early ministry, his baptism in the River Jordan and his first miracle of changing water into wine at a wedding.”

The Cathedral Choir, directed by David Halls, sings music by Messiaen, Palestrina, Poulenc and Sheppard and will also give the first performance of Tribus Miraculis by Paul Burke, commissioned by Choir & Organ magazine. Timothy Hone plays the organ.  As in the Cathedral’s Advent and Christmas Processions, there are familiar congregational carols and hymns for all.  No tickets are required and all are welcome.

This is Jeremy Davies’ last service at the Cathedral as he retires after twenty seven years as its Canon Precentor.

Great year for visitors at award-winning Salisbury Cathedral

It’s been a great year for Salisbury Cathedral which has welcomed many more visitors and pilgrims and been recognised for the superb quality of its welcome by two national travel trade magazines.

Canon Chancellor, the Revd Edward Probert, said “We’ve had a wonderful year with an ever-increasing number of visitors who have really appreciated the warm welcome they receive at our beautiful medieval cathedral.  It made for an exceptionally busy time but the enthusiasm of our staff and volunteer guides shone through, and it was great to hear so many people saying that they ‘clearly love their job’.”

David Coulthard, Director of Marketing and Visitor Services, said “We know that if we get it right it’s not only great news for the Cathedral but also the local economy.  Summer statistics from City Centre Management also show that more people were exploring the shops and sights in the medieval city centre this year and hotel occupancy levels have also been good.

“Since April our visitor numbers are up 8% from 2010/11 which means an extra 15,000 people have experienced the Cathedral.  Numbers taking our premium tour, the one and a half hour Tower Tour, are up by a huge 15%.  We’ve seen German visitors almost catch up with Americans as our largest overseas contingent, there’s a rise in repeat visitors, and significant numbers came to see Sean Henry’s figurative sculpture which was hugely popular.

“The new exhibition telling the story of Magna Carta and its enduring legacy has had a very positive response and Ken Follett’s international best selling novel ‘The Pillars of the Earth’ continues to attract new visitors to ‘the Pillars cathedral’. A new trail and leaflet have been produced ready for next year’s TV mini-series of the sequel ‘World Without End’ in which the fictional Kingsbridge Cathedral gets its own spire. In June we welcomed 18,000 visitors in just six days for what was a very successful Flower Festival whilst August saw over 45,000 visitors, the greatest number in any one month since the year 2000.”

Salisbury Cathedral and its welcome for group visitors has been recognised by two national travel trade magazines. In June, it accepted the Editor’s Award for Innovation in Tourism at the 2011 Group Travel Awards run by Group Travel Organiser magazine. The impressive citation by editor Abbe Bates highlighted the Cathedral’s particularly friendly welcome finding it “really exceptional …(we) were hugely impressed at how this very traditional place invites in and inspires people….the time spent at the Cathedral is truly memorable.”

In October, the Cathedral was named as one of Group Travel and Coach World’s ‘Top Ten UK Attractions for Groups 2011’.  Editor Andy Greaves said “Salisbury has the tallest cathedral spire in the UK…and as far as its group offering goes the Cathedral has been standing tall throughout 2011…its popularity with groups is set to continue in 2012.”

Looking forward to 2012, the Cathedral has produced a new DVD for its travel trade partners with beautiful images and a simple voiceover or captions.  It is introducing a fast track entry route for pre-booked groups and producing new improved signage and way-finding information. Tying in with the London Olympics it hosts sculptor Ben Dearnley’s ‘Avenue of Champions’, a series of bronze and marble sculptures depicting past and current Olympic and Paralympic champions, from June to September.

Salisbury Cathedral, built in just 38 years from 1220 – 1258, is a living church, an international symbol of Christianity and a world renowned heritage attraction. It is known for having Britain’s tallest spire (123m/404ft), the largest and most beautiful Cathedral Close in Britain, the earliest surviving complete choir stalls in Britain (c.1236) and Britain’s largest medieval cloisters. The finest original copy of the 1215AD Magna Carta is on permanent display in the Chapter House. Visitors are invited to join the short hourly prayers led by the duty Chaplain. There is a daily service of Evensong (Monday-Saturday 5.30pm, Sunday 4.30pm) plus Mattins (9.15am) and Eucharist (10.30am) each Sunday.  The Cathedral community is always happy to welcome newcomers.

For further information on our visitor facilities, exhibitions, special events and services please visit our website at:  www.salisburycathedral.org.uk or call 01722 555120.

Fun for children at Salisbury Cathedral this Christmas

Salisbury Cathedral is running its innovative and fun activities for children and their families the week before Christmas with a free special Christmas trail, ‘All Things Christmassy’ craft sessions and daily story time around the crib. 

Sarah Rickett, Head of the Cathedral’s popular Education Department, said “As excitement builds up to the great day itself, let us help entertain your children with stimulating Christmas themed activities in and around this beautiful Cathedral. Our school holiday activity weeks are increasingly popular and we look forward to welcoming both local families and those visiting the city for Christmas to join in the fun.”

The Cast of Christmas is a special Christmas trail hunting for angels, kings and shepherds and other figures in the Christmas story. Collect your free trail leaflet at the Cathedral entrance at any time from Saturday 17 December until Christmas Eve, except during a service, and collect a lovely glittery sticker from the shop on completion. Suitable for all ages.  

Young at Art: All Things Christmassy (for ages 5-12 years, or younger if supervised by an adult) is an imaginative feast of Christmas arts and crafts to put everyone in the festive mood. Sessions are held in the Education Centre from 10.00am – 12.00noon each day from Monday 19 – Friday 23 December. Parents with last-minute shopping are able to leave children knowing they are well cared for. Cost is £3.50 per child per session, with all materials provided. Spaces are limited so booking is advised. Call 01722 555180 or email education@salcath.co.uk.

Christmas story-time takes place by the crib scene in the Cathedral. Hear a new story each day from Monday 19 to Friday 23 December from 12.30pm-12.45pm.  Free and everyone welcome, young and old alike.

The Cathedral’s Family Service at 4pm on Christmas Eve is the perfect way to prepare for Christmas day itself. Children are invited to take an active role by joining the shepherds as they move around the Cathedral looking for the new born baby Jesus and by singing the familiar congregational carols. Last year’s service attracted many hundreds who enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere of anticipation and excitement.

Rock legend gives Christmas charity concert for Salisbury Cathedral

Rock legend Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull will be performing The Christmas Jethro Tull in Salisbury Cathedral on Friday 16 December at 7.30pm.

Ian says of the show, "Whether your Christmas is a secular affair of gift-giving and family togetherness or a more worshipful recognition of one of the two big days in the Christian calendar, join us for some uplifting Christmas spirit, music, readings and maybe even a prayer or two."

As the self-professed “unplugged guy with a bunch of noisy friends” Ian Anderson commands much respect as an acoustic musician amongst his peers. The only original member of Jethro Tull, Ian remains synonymous with the brand identity. Drawing on Folk, Classical, Rock and Jazz music styles, Ian continues to blend elements of many world music cultures to delight his fans.

Thanks to Ian’s generosity and generous sponsorship, all profits from the concert will benefit the funds for the conservation of the Cathedral.

The Dean of Salisbury, the Very Reverend June Osborne, said “We’re very grateful to Ian for thinking of us and bringing his Christmas concert here and, in the real spirit of Christmas, giving his time and talents to support our beautiful medieval Cathedral. We are known for our choral and classical music events but Ian’s performance will show off what a great venue Salisbury Cathedral is for other styles of music.”

Tickets (booking fees apply) £19.50, £15.50, £10 (restricted view) are available at: www.musicglue.net/iananderson or from Salisbury Playhouse box office, 01722 320333.

Cathedral Choir performs Bach’s exuberant Christmas Oratorio

Salisbury Cathedral Choir, soprano Caroline Halls and La Folia, directed by the Cathedral’s Director of Music David Halls, perform J S Bach's exuberant Christmas Oratorio (Parts I-III) in the Cathedral on Wednesday 14 December at 7.30pm.

Director of Music David Halls said “This is Bach at his most joyful and a work which I thought the choristers would particularly like to learn. The oratorio is in six parts, each part being intended for performance on one of the major feast days of the Christmas period. We perform Part I for Christmas Day which describes the birth of Jesus, Part II for 26 December with the annunciation to the shepherds, and Part III for 27 December with the Adoration of the shepherds. We finish with part of Part VI for the Epiphany and the Adoration of the Magi. This is J S Bach at his absolute best. The thrill of the opening of the first chorus of Part I with its drums, trumpets and choir in full voice, is one of the most memorable openings in all music.”

Tickets, price £18 - £10, are available from Salisbury Playhouse, 01722 320333, and at the door. The concert is in aid of the Cathedral’s Choral Foundation which supports every aspect of the Cathedral’s music.

Salisbury Cathedral’s spectacular service ‘From Darkness to Light’ is the unmissable start of Advent

Salisbury Cathedral’s spectacular Advent Procession ‘From Darkness to Light’, regarded by many as the unmissable start to the Christmas season, takes place this year on Friday 25, Saturday 26 November at 7.00pm and Sunday 27 November at 5.00pm. It begins with the Cathedral in total darkness and silence as the single Advent Candle is lit. By the end the whole interior of the magnificent building is bathed in the light of 1300 flickering candles.

Two large and colourful processions move around the Cathedral during the service which is a mix of beautiful music and readings. David Halls, Director of Music, knows the service is one of the highlights of the year. “The music, sung by the cathedral choir, is in perfect keeping with the feeling of expectation that underpins Advent. We also have a plainsong choir of girls’ voices singing from the West End gallery. This is all in contrast to the great Advent hymns sung by a capacity congregation of over seventeen hundred on both evenings, and sounding truly magnificent accompanied by the mighty Father Willis organ. There is a great feeling of momentum as the service reaches its climax.”

The cathedral choir is conducted by David Halls and Matthew Jorysz, the cathedral’s organ scholar; the organist is Tim Hone.

Doors open before the service at 6.00pm on Friday and Saturday and at 4.00pm on Sunday and entry into the Cathedral is via the Consistory Court (the main visitor entrance). Admission for all three services is free but entry on Friday 25 is by ticket only. Written applications should be made to the Dean’s Secretary, Lizzie Rowe, The Chapter Office, 6 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EF. Please provide a stamped addressed envelope and indicate the number of tickets requested (maximum 4). Those who wish to arrive early will be able to queue under cover in the Cloisters where seasonal refreshments are available. Please note there can be no admission once all seats are taken. There is no public parking in The Close however parking is available for Disabled Blue Badge holders.

For further information visit the Cathedral’s website: www.salisburycathedral.org.uk

Angela Hewitt performs a celebrity piano recital at Salisbury Cathedral

Angela Hewitt, internationally-renowned and brilliant pianist, performs a programme of exquisite French music including works by Debussy, Faure, Roussel and Dukas in Salisbury Cathedral on Sunday 20 November at 7.30pm.

Amongst her many plaudits Angela Hewitt was named Instrumentalist of the Year at the MIDEM Classical Awards 2010, Gramophone Artist of the Year in 2006 and was awarded the first ever BBC Radio 3 Listener’s Award (Royal Philharmonic Society Awards) in 2003.

Her extensive discography includes many superb, award-winning recordings for Hyperion including her eleven-year project to record all the major keyboard works of Bach. This has been described as “one of the record glories of our age” (The Sunday Times) and won her a huge following.

Timothy Hone, Head of Liturgy and Music at the Cathedral, said “Although Angela’s performances of Bach are superb, this recital gives us a chance to hear her in the wonderfully colourful world of the French repertoire, for which she is equally renowned. Her extraordinary control of voicing and texture, enhanced by the unique atmosphere of Salisbury Cathedral, should make this a performance not to be missed.”

Tickets, £22.50, £17.50 and £12.50, from Salisbury Playhouse box office, 01722 320333.

Programme
Debussy Children's Corner Suite
Faure Ballade, Op 19 (original version for piano solo)
Debussy Suite Pour le Piano
Debussy Suite Bergamasque
Roussel L'acceuil des muses (hommage a Debussy)
Dukas La plainte, au loin, du faune (hommage a Debussy)
Debussy Masques
Debussy L'Isle Joyeuse

Salisbury Cathedral Choir performs Durufle’s sublime Requiem in Remembrance-tide Concert

David Halls, Director of Music at Salisbury Cathedral, conducts the Cathedral Choir in a performance of Duruflé’s sublime Requiem as part of a Remembrance-tide concert on Wednesday 9 November at 7.30pm.
“This Requiem is a masterpiece of great beauty which Duruflé wrote in memory of his father. It incorporates numerous themes from the Gregorian plainchant ‘Mass for the Dead’ and is singularly appropriate to perform during the period of Remembrance-tide, a time set aside for special prayers and thoughts for all those who have gone before us.”

The choir also performs Giles Swayne’s Magnificat, written for unaccompanied choir, and Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb. The organist is Timothy Hone who also performs Jehan Alain Variations on a theme of Clement Jannequin and Duruflé Prelude and Fugue on ALAIN.

David Halls added, “This is one of the rare occasions when the entire choir of boys, girls and men can be heard in concert in the cathedral. I encourage you to come and experience sublime music in a magnificent setting.”

Tickets, price £12.50 and £10.00, are available from Salisbury Playhouse box office telephone 01722 320333, and at the door on the night. The concert is in aid of Salisbury Cathedral’s Choral Foundation which supports every aspect of the cathedral’s music.

Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta wins prestigious national award for work with travel trade

Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta took the Editor's Award for Innovation in Tourism at the 2011 Group Travel Awards run by Group Travel Organiser magazine. The impressive citation highlighted the Cathedral’s particularly friendly welcome and stated “It is not often that I feel something is really exceptional and memorable but from the guided tours to the catering, the time spent at the Cathedral is truly memorable.”

David Coulthard, Director of Marketing and Communications, accepted the prestigious Award from Abbe Bates, Editor of the magazine, at the Awards ceremony in London attended by over 400 key members of the travel trade. “I am extremely proud that the Cathedral and all we do to welcome group visitors has been recognised in this very public way, with the leading players in the group travel industry in attendance. To have our arrangements for group visitors viewed as ‘…exceptional, memorable, both engaging and of real quality’ is great news for everyone involved with the visitor welcome here, particularly our dedicated volunteer guides.

“Salisbury Cathedral welcomes over 300,000 visitors a year to see the Cathedral and Magna Carta, of which a third are group travellers. We pride ourselves on the warmth of our welcome and have worked hard in the last few years to further improve it. We offer a variety of easy to book, value for money day-out packages and specialist tours as well as our premium experience, the 90 minute Tower Tour where visitors enjoy a spectacular walk through the Cathedral roof and climb the tower. Our excellent Refectory can also include refreshments or meals as part of tailored group packages. We have added special events including art installations to our calendar and installed a new interpretative exhibition for the Magna Carta. New signage and a DVD for coach visitors will follow shortly and multi-language audio guides, which are of particular interest to our overseas visitors, will be available by the end of the year.”

For further information on packages for Group Visitors to Salisbury Cathedral visit the website at: www.salisburycathedral.org.uk , email visitors@salcath.co.uk or telephone 01722 555120.

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

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.

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