Salisbury

Friday, 28 July 2017

Salisbury

Salisbury is one of the first planned cities in England.  The building of the Cathedral, to replace the one at Old Sarum because of friction between the church and troops, was the beginning of the city. The cathedral took 38 years to complete and the town was planned around it.

The impressive steeple was added later, and currently defines the city's skyline. It was so recognizable that the German's used it as a landmark in their bombing runs to London during the Blitz.

The chapter house currently houses one of the few remaining original copies of the Magna Carta, along with some wonderful artifacts including King John's seal, original documents of indulgences, and land grants.

The area is also known for the beautiful countryside, and not only the endlessly-mysterious Stonehenge, but the equally, if less famous, stone circles at Avebury.

I was so lucky to have been in Salisbury for their annual Archeological Festival. Veronica and I are dedicated fans of the BBC programme Time Team, and I was thrilled to watch archeologist Phil Harding dig a test pit in search of the gatehouse outside the museum, and to listen to two of the historians who did the BBC series A Edwardian Farm speak.   I also heard Francis Pryor speak about Stonehenge and the ongoing work being done there.

This is really my idea of a fabulous weekend!!


Photos: June 25: Salisbury
Photos: June 29: Salisbury
Photos: July 03: Salisbury
Photos: July 04: Salisbury
Photos: July 05: Salisbury
Photos: July 08: Salisbury
Photos: July 13: Salisbury
Photos: July 17: Salisbury
Photos: July 21: Salisbury
Photos: July 22: Salisbury