Good morning 😃😃 So, here we go. Over the last few days I’ve done some extensive walking, all round Salisbury to find you the oldest and most interesting of the buildings. Some of them date back to medieval times, circa 13th century, and certainly the inns date to the 15th and 16th centuries, with lots of renovations, repairs and restoration I’m sure.
I’ve not listed them in order of age, that would take a fair amount of time and I’m short on that atm, so I’ll just post them as I saw them over the last 3 days.
But I will say, there’s something quite extraordinary to be able to touch a wooden post that dates back to 1500!!! I mean seriously…think about how much has happened in the last 500+ years, and how many people have passed by or visited these buildings.
Without doubt I have to start with the Cathedral. Possibly not the oldest building in the area, but certainly the most famous. I know from reading many of the information posts dotted around, especially at the churches, that there are Saxon and Norman remains in some buildings, but mostly that is limited to the churches.


‘Salisbury Cathedral is the most beautiful structure in England, and the Close around it the most beautiful space’. (‘Notes from a Small Island’ Bill Bryson.)
Starting off with what I do know, this building was part of a larger set of buildings all linked to the Bishops of the Cathedral which if course dates back to the early 13th century; started in 1220. I can recommend reading this article about The Close and its history. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/wilts/vol6/pp72-79
The Wardrobe housing The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum. The original building on the site was constructed in 1254. It was rebuilt in the 15th century and was used to store the robes of the Bishop of Salisbury; hence it was known as the “Bishop’s Wardrobe” or “The Wardrobe“.
























I have images of many other buildings in the city which I’ll share in another post…
I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing some of these amazing buildings…have a fab day
There are such beautiful, historic buildings in Salisbury,
They are extraordinary. I love discovering each one
I love the old architecture, especially the Inn.
Isn’t that inn extraordinary. Of course I’m dying to get inside and have a look, but unfortunately, not this time. But I will come back another time
So many old buildings in one place – that is quite amazing! Love your pictures!!
Its extraordinary, they’re amazing and yet Salisbury is not unique for the number of old buildings. There’s a town called Lavenham that is eye-watering and another town called Weobley where I worked some years ago that is incredible. I got the link for you https://www.britainexpress.com/best/black-and-white-villages.htm#:~:text=The%20Black%20and%20White%20Villages,for%20a%20wonderful%20day's%20excursion.
Canterbury too is absolutely fantastic
Wow 😲 … now that’s some history in one place!! Even dating back to the 7th century and love that amazing looking Kinnersley Castle. Ahh, thanks for that link!
😃😃 you’re welcome. There is a house there that used to be an inn. Charles I stayed there…the history of these villages is mind blowing