Whilst at the cathedral, make sure that you visit the Cloisters and the Chapter House. It is almost like another visit, and it certainly opens up new parts of history. Everyone knows of the Magna Carta, and Salisbury holds one of the four surviving original texts of this famous agreement. It is displayed in a no-nonsense manner (I personally prefer the presentation at Lincoln – but I am an old Lincolnian!), and I believe it to be the most perfectly preserved. Painstakingly written on vellum, the Magna Carta has formed the constitution of the British Isles and informed the basic principles of the constitutions of the USA and many of the commonwealth countries. Not bad for a document crafted almost 800 years ago!
Running around the Chapter House is the carved medieval frieze depicting the first two books of the bible of superbly preserved stone carvings. We could pick out the story of Adam and Eve, the building of Noah’s Ark, the murder of Abel, and the tower of Babel to name but a few. If we’d have got a bit more time, we’d have studied it closer, but the guides are always willing to point out the better-known scenes. The tops of the marble columns are carved as representations of foliage with the odd bird or small animal hidden in the leaves. Typically, there are also a number of head carvings, some with classically grotesque expressions.
Around the Chapter House are numerous display cabinets with examples of the dioceses’ silverware, medieval manuscripts, early books, and original seals. We were told that the contents of these cabinets are often changed, so if you’re a regular visitor, there’s plenty to see.
Outside the Chapter House are the covered cloisters looking out onto a large grassy area with two large trees. Here are numerous grave markers (always an interesting read) and some superb views of the church spire. People are actively encouraged to spend time in this area, and although it was peaceful when we visited, the guide proudly stated that, in summer, people will bring picnics and enjoy each other’s company. Personally, I preferred the tranquillity! The trees apparently are a mixed blessing – they provide an interesting focal point and tantalisingly hide part of the cathedral’s grand architecture but are seen as a potential hazard for the safety of the building. Apparently, as the trees are growing on chalk, the roots run horizontally very close to the surface. Will they topple or start growing through the very fabric of the building? This is the question often asked – but the trees have age to them and don’t appear too hazardous.
The last stop as we left the cloisters was the cathedral shop and the modern café. I have to say that I had little interest in the shop, but my wife managed to wile away a few minutes examining the various souvenirs, which did seem to be of good quality.