The Close
by Tolik
The Cathedral stands at the center of the Close. Today it is the largest Close in England. Many medieval buildings, including the Old Deanery and the Bishop’s Palace, grew up around the new Cathedral to provide accommodation for members of the clergy, their servants, and craftsmen working on the Cathedral. We really enjoyed walking around there. Most of the houses have distinct Georgian facades. The most famous building is probably Mompesson house – on your right when you passed through High Street Gate. This impressive Queen Anne style house was built for Charles Mompesson in 1701. The house is a perfect example of Queen Anne architecture (do not miss plaster work and elegant carved oak staircase). They have also fine collection of the 18th century drinking glasses, and charming walled garden with garden tea room.
Further west you see the Wren Hall. Housed in the former Chorister’s Schoolroom, it houses now the Cathedral Education Center.
As you walk down West Walk , the Wardrobe will be the next building on your left. Dating from 1254, this building now houses Berkshire and Wiltshire Infantry Regiment Museum. The “Wardrobe” building is so-called because it was originally used by the Bishop as a secure place to keep his vestments and documents. The present building of brick, flint and stone dates mainly from the 15th century. You can enjoy excellent views across the water meadows from the peaceful riverside gardens (if you get hungry during this walk - hot meals, drinks and snacks available). During the 14th century tension between clergy and the city folk increased and in 1331 stone from the abandoned Cathedral at Old Sarum was used to build a wall around the Close. There are three gateways in the wall: High Street Gate, St. Ann’s Gate, and Harnham Gate . The High Street Gate once had a portcullis that was lowered when the citizens became rebellious. Remember - the Gates are still locked every night at 11pm.
Watery art..........
by leics
There's a rather beautiful piece of modern art in Salisbury Cathedral. Nothing much is made of it (no special pointers or anything) but it's worth noticing.
Created by William Pye, Sibirica Minor ll was installed in 2005. Its waters appear still when they are, in fact, in constant motion. They provide wonderful reflections of the stained glass and stonework within the cathedral.
Seek it out; it's near the entrance, but easily missed.
Nightclub, or pub for louts?
by LouiseTopp about Bishops Mill
Bishops Mill overlooks the River Avon & was once a Malt Mill here built on the site of a much older building. There has been a lot of renovations, this picture was taken during the day but at night it's always illuminated by different coloured light?s. There is DG music here Saturday night?s, but it can get a bit crowded with teenagers who are rude to one another. I?m afraid the staff aren?t very considerate; if you order food here it takes the rest of the evening for it to turn up. There is outdoor seating which is popular during the summer with wooden benches to sit at, though your not allowed picnics etc. Just see the menu there if you go.
Salisbury Cathedral
by unexplored
It's magnificent landmark spire at 123m is the highest in England and was an inspired afterthought added in 1280-1310. A tour of the roof will take you to an extended gallery at the base of the spire with views of the town and Old Sarum. The Medieval Clock displayed dates from 1386 and is probably the oldest working clock in the world. It was in a seperate belltower until 1792 and designed only to strike the hours and therefore is without a face. The cloisters are the largest in any cathedral in England and lead to the Chapter House which houses one of the four surviving original versions of the Magna Carta(1215) and other treasures.
The Chapter House
by KittyLou
A wonderful example of Gothic style architecture, the Chapter house contains an interesting medieval frieze as well as one of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta.
(The other copies of the Magna Carta can be found at the British Museum and Lincoln Castle.)