//
Photo: Original authors were the barons and King John of England. Uploaded by Earthsound., Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
For history buffs, the chapter house displays the best-preserved of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta.
Photography of the original Magna Carta is not allowed.
Magna Carta, sometimes spelled Magna Charta, is a royal charter of rights sealed by King John of England at Runnymede, near Windsor, on 15 June 1215. First drafted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Cardinal Stephen Langton, to make peace between the unpopular king and a group of rebel barons who demanded that the King confirm the Charter of Liberties, it promised the protection of church rights, protection for the barons from illegal imprisonment, access to swift and impartial justice, and limitations on feudal payments to the Crown, to be implemented through a council of 25 barons. Neither side stood by their commitments, and the charter was annulled by Pope Innocent III, leading to the First Barons' War.
Constructed between 1220 and 1258 to replace the previous cathedral at Old Sarum, this Gothic-style cathedral has the highest spire in the United Kingdom at 404 feet (123 metres). Cathedral services take place daily and opening times can vary at short notice depending on services. The cathedral close is especially beautiful with fine lawns surrounded by elegant and historic buildings. There are daily 90-minute guided tours up the tower (extra payment). It is not for those scared of heights, but the views are magnificent, and 60-minute floor tours led by volunteer guides.
Located on a hilltop north of modern Salisbury, Old Sarum is the site of the original city, showing evidence of habitation from 3000 BC to 1219 when the bishop relocated Salisbury Cathedral to its current location. Until 1832 Old Sarum was a 'rotten borough', which elected two members of parliament despite long periods during which there were no residents. Most of the site is free to enter, although there is a charge to enter the Inner Bailey.
This small but varied museum houses displays on the history of Salisbury, costume, ceramics, pictures and the Stonehenge Gallery. In Notes from a Small Island, Bill Bryson comments that "Salisbury museum is outstanding and I urge you to go there at once"!
The big attraction here is sitting in a variety of aircraft cockpits and playing with the controls. The museum is run by dedicated and very helpful volunteers.
A 13th century medieval canonry now maintained by volunteers as a Grade II* listed building with beautiful surrounding gardens.