Salisbury Cathedral: Everything you need to know

Every day throughout Advent, we'll be introducing a different cathedral from around the UK and occasionally beyond

Published: December 12, 2016 at 12:09 pm

One of the UK's most iconic buildings, Salisbury Cathedral reached global audiences in 2018 when its 123-metre spire became part of a viral clip of the Salisbury novichok suspects being interviewed about their surprising level of interest in this religious building. But what else is there to know about this famous spire and the cathedral itself?

When was Salisbury Cathedral built?

The city of Salisbury was built in the 1220s when the Bishop of Old Sarum ambitiously moved from his ancient hilltop seat and founded a new town in the valley below. The settlement was a great success and by the 15th century Salisbury was one of the largest towns in England. Building began on the cathedral in 1220 and was built with unusual speed, the main body being complete in just 38 years.

What about its famous spire?

The dizzying 123m spire was merely the third tallest in England when it was added a few decades later, but after Lincoln Cathedral’s effort collapsed in a storm, and the Great Fire of London destroyed the original St Paul’s, Salisbury was left with the title, which it has now held for 350 years. The present Bishop, Nicholas Holtam, was previously vicar of the famously musical church of St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square.

We included Salisbury Cathedral in our round-up of the best cathedrals in the world.

Salisbury Cathedral, England

What denomination is Salisbury Cathedral?

Salisbury Cathedral is Anglican.

Salisbury Cathedral's girl choristers

In 1991, Salisbury became was the first English cathedral to recruit girl choristers. The decision was not without its detractors, and the Campaign for the Traditional Cathedral Choir was formed soon after to support the ‘ancient tradition of the all-male choir in cathedrals’. Today, all but four of England’s Anglican cathedrals have girls’ choirs.

Helen Cocks

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