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Salisbury Cathedral. Photo by Diego Torres on

Top 10 Interesting facts about the Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral was formally known as Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, an Anglican Cathedral in Salisbury. 

The Cathedral was built due to the deteriorating relations between the clergy and the military at the Old Sarum Cathedral, with the bishop’s seat being moved to Salisbury. Its construction was paid for by donations from canons and vicars of southeast England.

The building foundation was laid in 1220, taking 38 years of labor of love to complete the building. The construction ended in 1258. The building remains the tallest in England with over 800 years.

Want to visit the Cathedral? Here are interesting facts about the Salisbury Cathedral you need to know.

1. The tallest in England

Photo by Falco-

The spire of Salisbury Cathedral has been the tallest, standing at 404ft/123m since the 16th century. It was built in 1320. The spire can be spotted from miles away, proving the Cathedral’s most impressive feature.

The spire was found leaning in 1668; the original designer Christopher Wren was contacted and helped add reinforcement which has helped the spire keep its form to date.

During the Cathedral building, a foundation of 4 feet was laid because of the high water table in the area. This also contributes to it being the tallest. The foundation stones were laid on 28th April 1220.

2. Salisbury Cathedral Is over 800 years old

The Cathedral is considered one of the leading examples of early English Gothic architecture. The foundation was laid in 1220 and completed in 1258; it took 38years to construct.

The building process was supervised by Richard Poore, whose sculpture is on the west front of the Cathedral. The Cathedral moved from a settlement at Old Sarum. The Old Sarum original site is the most historic in southern England.

Old Sarum remnants are still present till date whose parts are thought to date back as far as 400 BC.

3. Salisbury Cathedral houses Magna Carta and World’s Oldest clock

World Oldest Clock. Photo by Hugh Llewelyn-

The remaining four copies of the Magna Carta are well preserved at the Cathedral. Magna Carta means excellent charter, and it was a charter of liberties which English barons and church leaders agreed through signing with King John on 15th June 1215 as a way of making peace.

The world’s oldest clock was a faceless clock from1386. It was later restored in 1956, having struck for 498 hours and ticked more than 500 million times. I bet it is fascinating to get to see such a treasure.

Once you visit the Cathedral, there are expert guides who guide you through to ensure you don’t miss out on any details and highlights.

4. The close

Salisbury Cathedral Close. Photo by Malc McDonald-

The close is the entire area surrounding the Cathedral. It covers 80 acres making it the largest in Britain. It has shady trees and a vast lawn making it the best ideal place for a treat. The close has well-maintained gardens making it beautiful.

The entire area used to be closed at night hence the name close. It had four gates; to date, only one gate is closed. The Salisbury Cathedral Close Preservation Society ensures that the close is well maintained, promoting its history, and protecting and improving its features.

 The close unique heritage has inspired many artists over the years, among them being Tuner. One can enjoy a picnic as they get a close view of the magnificent spire.

5. Salisbury Charter Market

The make has been functional since 1219. It allowed farmers and traders to sell their goods and wares as it was the largest market in the region. Back in the day, market days were formalized and could be held on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

The market is still operational and up to date on Tuesday and Saturday except on the third Tuesday of October when the Charter Fair is held in the market.

Modern shopping habits have taken over, and still, the market thrives. King Henry III awarded a Charter to the Bishop of Salisbury to hold the fair.

The Salisbury fair is held at the market to bring exciting activities both modern and traditional for all families. The fair is from Monday to Wednesday, and people gather here to enjoy all sorts of fun activities. 

6. The Stonehenge

Photo by Walkerssk-

Stonehenge is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which is located 8 miles northwest of Salisbury in Wiltshire. It is made of standing stones that are aligned towards sunrise on the Summer Solstice.

The prehistoric feature has remained magnificent and impressive for 4,500 years. Stonehenge ticket holders are given a 20% discount in Cathedral Refectory restaurant to enjoy cake and tea. Amazing, right?

After a tour of Stonehenge, one can enjoy a fantastic time at the Salisbury Cathedral.

7. A strong tradition of art and culture

Over the past 800 years, the Cathedral has developed a well know culture and art. Salisbury International Art Festival is held annually for May to June. The festivals offer concerts, dance, theatre and Salisbury live weekends where pubs host musicians and live bands.

Also, Salisbury art center offers diverse exhibitions, films, and galleries mainly found within the city center. The cultural activities give the best experience. There is the Salisbury Playhouse which is the leading producing theatre and Fisherton Mill’s most significant independent gallery.

8. Inspiration to artist

International rapper Jay Z wrote a music album inspired by Magna Carta. Its four surviving copies are housed at Salisbury Cathedral. Jay Z was inspired by the words, “To no one will we sell, to no one will we deny or delay, right or justice.” from the Magna Carta.

The design cover of the album was Magna Carta, Holy Grail; through this album, Jay Z was creating a modern significance awareness of the document. His global launch of the album happened at Salisbury Cathedral, with the Dean of Salisbury, the Very Revd June Osborne, giving him a warm welcome.

9. Over 200 unique Independent shops

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The_National_Trust_Shop_in_Salisbury. Photo by Basher Eyre-

The shops offer a unique shopping experience and a variety of different tastes and preferences to choose one. With many shops, one can easily find an item they couldn’t find hence saving time.

The independent shops have helped nurture small independent businesses. There is Salisbury independent week, and Salisbury gets to celebrate the diversity and richness of the independent shops.

10. It has a shortened name

It was formally known as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Salisbury and the seat of the Salisbury Bishop. The Salisbury Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in Salisbury.