It was on a rough field called St. Mary's Mead in 1220 AD that Bishop Richard Poore and his architect Elias de Derham decided to build a new state-of-the-art Gothic style Cathedral to replace the old Norman Cathedral at Old Sarum.

Because they take so many generations to build, almost all other English Cathedrals are a mixture of different architectural styles. However the main body of Salisbury Cathedral which includes the tower and West Front, was completed in a mere 38 years.

The huge Cloister (the largest in England) and the magnificent Chapter House (containing the Magna Carta) were added later. But then the 14th century the most daring and astonishing addition was made. The tower was raised and on top of it they built the slender soaring spire which we see today, completing the Cathedral 95 years after Elias first started the work.

Considering that at 404 feet (123 metres) Salisbury Cathedral's spire is the tallest medieval structure in the world it is amazing that it is still standing with foundations only four feet deep. Thankfully nature was on Elias's side and the thick bed of gravel that lies beneath the Cathedral supports the building's immense weight.

Once the building was finished the Bishop recruited priests, canons, and clerks to serve it. These church workers were given an acre and a half of land with the more senior clergy being given three acres around the perimeter of The Close. The Bishop built himself a great palace, which now houses the Cathedral School. Today only four members of the Chapter are resident in The Close and other properties are mainly leased from the Cathedral by private residents.

As you look around The Close today you see a great array of English Architecture, some designed by Sir Christopher Wren, dating from the 13th to the 20th century. The oldest building in The Close is the Medieval Hall as many of the older houses have been pulled down or rebuilt over the years.

Salisbury Cathedral has been carrying out a major repair program since the spire appeal was founded in 1986. To date nearly £16 million has been spent with another 10 years or so of work still to be completed. However it has stood the test of time and is more intensively used now than ever before. The music and worship are superb and and thousands of people come here regularly to worship in addition to the 500,000 visitors a year.

Today, the houses of The Close are some of the most beautifully cared for and full of family life. You could spend many days here and not exhaust all it has to offer.

Choristers’ Green, Cathedral Close Tel: 01722 335659. This impressive Queen Anne style house was built for Charles Mompesson in 1701, and is now owned by the National Trust. The elegance of the exterior is matched by the interior, with its beautiful carved oak staircase and fine plasterwork, added by a later resident, Charles Longeville, in about 1740. The rooms are furnished in period style and you may see the Turnbull collection of 18th century drinking glasses. There is a delightful and peaceful town garden, enclosed by the Cathedral Close wall where you may enjoy light refreshments from the Garden Tea Room.