Salisbury England Travel To Salisbury

Salisbury is one of England's finest places to visit, and seems to have been largely overlooked by many of the tourist and travel guides and writers. Situated less than a day's train trip from London, it is definitely accessible.

Salisbury was formed during the 11th century, when citizens came here to escape the Viking raids on England. However, it's official founding was in 1217. Several years later the city held it's first annual fair and had a marketplace. It received it's Charter (an official settlement status from the King which gave it's citizens certain rights) in 1227.

Since the city was in a very strategic location between London, Exeter & Southampton it flourished primarily due to trade. During the middle ages the wool and cloth trades were extremely important.

Situated on the river Avon, Salisbury is probably best known for it's proximity to Stonehenge and it's own world-famous Cathedral. Construction on the Cathedral began in 1220 and was not completed until 1258. With the exception of the towering spire, built between 1285 and 1315, it has remained largely undisturbed throughout it's history. The spire itself is the tallest in England at 404 feet, and quite a sight to behold. Stonehenge of course, has held our mysterious attention for thousands of years. It was thought to have been built by the ancient druids, but it's meaning today is still unclear. Nevertheless, countless tourists and visitors come to see these sites every year.

The building of the Cathedral marked the modern town of Salisbury. Before this event, most of her population lived a few miles away in a place called Old Sarum. Old Sarum is a town which dates back to the iron age and can be seen on tours even today (run by the English Heritage Society). There is little remaining of the settlement today, but some of the original stone was taken to build what is called the Cathedral Close.

Within the Cathedral Close there are several main attractions. The first is the National Trust's Mompesson House. This is a Queen Anne style house built in 1701, with a walled garden. There is also The Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum, which is set in an old medieval building called the King's House. Another attraction here is the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment Museum. This is situated in a 1254 building which was one of the first to be erected in the Cathedral Close. These are some fascinating places to visit, especially if you enjoy actually seeing history!

Throughout the town of Salisbury you can see some lovely medieval streets and buildings. Be sure to also visit the Wilton House, which has simply a gorgeous estate and gardens. Also, do not miss the Malmesbury House, which was built in the 13th century and the home to the first Earl of Malmesbury.

Of course, this is just a small sampling of some of the things to see and do in this lovely town of Salisbury.

Joseph Carducci is a lover of all things English and a frequent traveler to the UK. For more information about visiting England or the UK, please visit his sites at: Brighton England Travel Salisbury England Travel New Forest England Travel

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