Old Sarum, Wiltshire

27th June 2015




Old Sarum sits on the site of an Iron Age hill fort
1067-1070 - William the Conqueror builds a wooden castle in the centre of the hill fort
Henry I reign - castle is reconstructed in stone
1075 - Herman Bishop of Ramsbury created a cathedral at the site
1130 - castle acquired by Bishop Roger of Sarum
1139 - during Bishop Roger's downfall the castle was passed back to the King
Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine was kept under house arrest here
During the reigns of King Richard I and John, the castle was well looked after
1220s - Bishop Richard Poore decided to build a new catherdral
Castle was later abandoned by the clergy and eventually the Crown lost interest in the castle too

 This was another fascinating site and much remains considering the age of site/buildings. We did the audio tour which was interesting. There was plenty to see, though not much is undercover so good/dry weather would be required!

Owned by English Heritage
Designated car park
Toilets, shop
Guidebooks, audio tour
Dogs allowed

 N & K

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