In the UK, we are lucky to have many beautiful historic buildings to visit, but perhaps the most splendid and awe inspiring of all are the many cathedrals across the country. These buildings are like works of art, and many visitors come to see their beauty, soak up the peaceful atmosphere and spend some time contemplating the history that these buildings must have been a part of. Here are just a few of the spectacular cathedrals that you should visit…
Salisbury Cathedral – This beautiful building boasts the tallest spire in the whole of Britain at a whopping 404 feet tall, and it is also home to the oldest copies of the Magna Carta, dating back to 1215. If you are looking for things to do in Salisbury, this is a must!
Gloucester Cathedral – This beautiful building was built in the 11th century, although a church is known to have been on this site since around 679! As well as being a film location in recent times for the Harry Potter films, this is also the final resting place of Edward II who died in the nearby Berkeley Castle.
Well Cathedral – This beautiful building in Somerset is the first of the British cathedrals to be built in the Gothic style of the time, and building work started in 1175. The west front is the most famous and iconic part of the building, but it is also home to some of the most beautiful stained-glass windows dating back to the 14th Century.
Facts about Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral is a fine example of Early English architecture, and its formal name is the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The first stone was laid on 28 April 1220, and the main building took 38 years to complete, finishing in 1258.
Its spire is the tallest in the UK at 404 feet. Look closely inside and you can still see the original wooden scaffolding that was used when the spire was built, which was never taken down.
The cathedral also holds some remarkable treasures. A clock made in 1386 is still working and is often described as the oldest working clock in the world. Salisbury also looks after an original copy of Magna Carta, one of the most important documents in history. Together these make it well worth building time into any visit to see the interior as well as the famous view of the spire from outside.
