The Tallest Spire in England, Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral was built in uniform Early English (or Early Pointed) Gothic style – characterized by the first pointed arches and flying buttresses and a feeling of austerity.  Construction began in 1220.

Interior of Salisbury Cathedral.

The Spire was added from 1285 to 1315 and is the highest in Britain at 404 feet tall and 6400 tons.  The oldest clock in England is found in this Cathedral as well as the largest Gothic Cloisters.

The largest and oldest choir stalls are also found here made of oak provided by King Henry III.

Tallest Spire in Britain.

The Cathedral is also home to the best preserved of 1 of only 4 original editions of the Magna Carta (1215) – is a charter agreed by King John in 1215 to make peace between the unpopular King and a group of rebel barons, it promised the protection of church rights, protection for the barons from illegal imprisonment, access to swift justice, and limitations on feudal payments to the Crown.  In a revised format it became part of English statute law in 1297.   Even after almost all of its content was repealed in thet 19th and 20th centuries, Magna Carta still forms an important symbol of liberty today, Lord Denning (famous English judge) describing it as “the greatest constitutional document of all times – the foundation of the freedom of the individual against the arbitrary authority of the despot”.

Largest Cloisters in England.