101. MAGNA CARTA

On display here is the best-preserved of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta [Wikipedia photo]. This copy came to Salisbury because Elias of Dereham, who was present at Runnymede in 1215, was given the task of distributing some of the original copies.  Elias became a Canon of Salisbury, and oversaw the construction of Salisbury Cathedral.      PLAN

102. BALCONY VIEW

Any visit to Salisbury Cathedral should include a guided tour up the tower. A series of horizontal walks and spiral stairs takes us to the base of the spire. We begin with this balcony view down the length of the Cathedral.

103. SPIRAL STAIR AND BELL

After walking to the central tower, we begin our further ascent. The tour takes about 90 minutes and the 332 steps take us up to 225 feet at the foot of the spire. On this platform there is a large bell which rings loudly(!) when activated by the medieval clock.

104. PEREGRINES

The Cathedral is also proud of its peregrine chicks in a balcony nest, and viewed on a television screen.

105. INSIDE THE SPIRE

Probably the most striking aspect of the tower climb is this view up inside the spire. It must be a miracle that this seemingly random arrangement of struts and braces has held the tower secure for more than 750 years! In fact, the woodwork is not attached to the actual spire, but holds it firm by 'kissing' it internally.

106. TOWER HOIST

One might ask how the vast amount of required building material was brought up to this height. The answer is here with this rotating hoist. Workmen made it go round by walking inside it, thus winding up the rope and the attached load.

107. CLOSE VIEW I

On each side of the tower just below the spire, a balcony opens out. From here we have views of the Cathedral close and beyond.

108. CLOSE VIEW II

It is a very fine view, if one is not afraid of heights!

109. NAVE VIEW

We can also look down over the nave. Notice the extended portal to the right, and the roof of the refectory on the left.

110. TURRET

From this balcony we get a very close view of one of the small turrets. Hardly visible from the ground, yet completed in careful detail for the glory of God. This completes our tour of Salisbury Cathedral.