Salisbury Cathedral

We briefly saw the spire of the cathedral in town, but our first good view came from Old Sarnum.





Shortly after coming through the arch (see Salisbury blog) we saw the whole thing.



















Apparently this cathedral has a commitment to modern art.





















Here is the entrance.











And here is our entrance.







I'll show you what is in that display case.



I believe it is Old Sarnum, the original Salisbury and the original site of this cathedral. There will be a blog on Old Sarnum.




Our entrance takes us through the inner courtyard to the outer courtyard.

When we visited Holyrood Palace it suddenly occurred to me the origin of the word, courtyard-literally the yard surrounded by the monarch's court. Perhaps the bishop's court in this case.



Today there was a sculpture being put into place in the courtyard.



It's quite a beautiful courtyard, and just as well. Marcia had some quality sitting time here with a ginger beer. Ginger beer is fast becoming our favourite carbonated beverage. Marcia is sold on Schweps.






Cathedrals just take your breath away.




From the choir.



I even love the lacy effect of the gates.



Here is the pulpit.



And here is who filled it on 11 April 1974.




There are lovely artworks all around this cathedral. I'm afraid photography, or at least my photography does not do this prism justice. The image of the cathedral can be seen as though it is captured inside the prism from three sides of the prism. The prisim rotates in it's little chamber.




This fountain was my favourite. There are different little scriptures about water on each of the 4 side indentions. We all know the stilling and healing powers of flowing water.



Here we have a 13th century cope chest and photos of some of the vestments it would have held.



And here we have the Deans of the Cathedral from about 1100, when it was at Old Sarnum, to the present. The last dean listed is June Osborne 1 May 2004. She is the only female name. The first dean was Walter. He didn't need a last name in his time.



This area of the north transept is called the "Mother's Union".



This is the south transept.


The south wall seems to be the place for military rememberance. Some of these flags as soo old that they are literally threadbare.




And, of course, all around are the tombs of this and that somebody.

There is also a copy of the Magna Carta here-no photos allowed. The one line that I remember gives widows the right to not remarry if they don't want to.

Back outside.


I wonder if this is a contemporary bishop?

KG