Why
Salisbury Cathedral
is special

The 123-meter (404 foot) high spire of the medieval Salisbury Cathedral impressively dominates the town and countryside skylines. The best preserved copy of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta is on display in the chapter house.

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Salisbury Cathedral
tips & insights

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Architectural feat

Amazingly, the architects built the tall and massive cathedral on a 2-meter (6-foot) foundation. That was necessary because the ground is excessively damp due to a high water table.

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Magna Carta

King John was forced to sign the Magna Carta here in 1215 by the barons. This document reduced his royal powers, which helped jumpstart democracy.

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Celebrated clock

Salisbury Cathedral also has what is likely the world's oldest functioning clock. This 14th century timing mechanism has no hands or face - its purpose is to ring bell chimes announcing the hours.

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View

You can tour the spire. It requires at lot of step climbing, but the guide's pointers and the view of area make the effort worthwhile.

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