Part 2, Stonehenge...The village of Salisbury...Another historical Cathedral...The world's first clock! The Magna Carta!
As we made our way up the walkway to the Salisbury Cathedral. |
The oldest licensed inn is Salisbury. Steven explained this is purported to be the oldest pub in England.
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The drive from Stonehenge to Salisbury was approximately an hour.
More interesting architecture for the 13th century. |
What an exquisite building! |
Steven, our knowledgeable tour guide.
As we approached the beautiful village of Salisbury we knew that Steven had our best interests in mind, as we oohed and ah'd over the scenery in the village. After parking on a side street, Steven walked toward the church with us, explaining that once we entered, a donation was "expected."
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The detail in the design in the Cathedral was some of the most impressive we've seen.
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Tourists gathered to appreciate the stained glass. |
With all of our travels we tried to use up any remaining currency by the time we leave the country since many countries have currency we may never use again. Have numerous forms of currency in one's wallet, never to be used is annoying and wasteful. Thus far, all has gone well.
A side alter or memorial. |
The Salisbury Cathedral was well worth the US $9.78, six pounds we paid upon entry. With the steady flow of tourists entering the church, we anticipated they'd be able to continue their ongoing renovation, not unlike the Sagrada Familia we'd seen in Barcelona, Spain over a year ago.
We've visited dozens of churches in our travels finding each one unique and appealing in its own way. It was no different with the Salisbury Cathedral, eliciting a gasp when we entered with raging curiosity to see as much as we could in the time allotted until once again we'd be on the road, anxious to return to the ship on time.
A memorial. We were unable to read who was buried here. With our WiFi issues at this time, we're unable to research online to identify each photo. |
Again, this was a private tour for the eight of us with the ship not waiting one moment beyond scheduled departure for such. We kept a watchful eye on the time, eventually returning well within the mandatory boarding time frame.
The Salisbury Cathedral originally was two miles to the north of Old Sarum, where the foundations of the great Norman Cathedral can still be seen. Old Sarum was garrison town and squabbles with the military led Bishop Richard Poore to decide to rebuild in the valley below
Building commenced in the year 1220 at about the same time the checkered street plan of Salisbury was also laid out. The Cathedral was built under the supervision of one of the canons, Elias de Dereham, assisted by a famous master mason Nicholas of Ely.
By 1258 the choir, transept and naves were completed and consecration occurred on September 30th.
The spire, 404 feet high and the highest in England and third highest in Europe was added 100 years later between 1334 and 1365. Salisbury Cathedral is acknowledged as the most attractive in English Cathedrals in both setting and appearance.
Outside the Cathedral, our group met for beverages from the café. |
During our enthusiastic perusing, we were delighted to see one of the three worldwide originals of the Magna Carta on display. Unfortunately, it was one of few items in the massive church prohibited from photo taking.
Although disappointed we couldn't take a photo, it was enriching to see it in any case. Its lengthy translation was posted on a wall.
Tom graciously posed for a photo. Thanks, Honey! |
Tomorrow, we'll be back sharing some of the events in which we've participated on the ship and details of how we spend each day both out to sea and on tour days.
Have a happy day!
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Photo from one year ago today, September 6, 2013:
Two of the goat that lived in the backyard of the property jumped on the fence to entertain us while we lived in Diani Beach, Kenya for three months. For details, please click here. |