Salisbury

Salisbury was my first stop outside of London. Salisbury is known mainly for its great cathedral which is built in an old Norman style. The tower of the cathedral has a spire which makes it one of the tallest in England and Europe. The spire which was added afterwards has caused an enormous stress on the entire cathedral to the extent that massive stone columns inside have bowed out over time. A trip through the cathedral shows the engineering involved in building this complex and then supporting the added spire. One thing in particular which struck me was iron bracing which was used to support the tower. Given that iron working was not easy at the time the extent and size of the braces they built is amazing.

 
  
The Walking Mary - perusing the Cathedral Cathedral cloisters
 
  
Cathedral decorations A gate to the cathedral close
 
  
Arcading around the cloisters Salisbury Cathedral
 
  
The nave of Salisbury Cathedral The Salisbury Chapter House -
home to an original copy of the Magna Carta
 


Stonehenge / Avebury