Old Sarum

Castle Road
Salisbury
Wiltshire

SP1 3SD

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The great earthwork of Old Sarum stands near Salisbury on the edge of Wiltshire's chalk plains. Its mighty ramparts were raised in about 500 BC by Iron Age peoples, and later occupied by the Romans, the Saxons and, most importantly, the Normans.

William the Conqueror paid off his army here in 1070, and in 1086 summoned all the great landowners of England here to swear an oath of loyalty. A Norman castle was built on the inner mound, and joined soon afterwards by a royal palace. By the middle of the 12th century a new town occupied much of the great earthwork, complete with a noble new Norman cathedral, the mother church of a huge diocese.

But Norman Sarum was not destined to thrive. Soldiers and priests quarelled, and life on the almost waterless hilltop became intolerable. The solution was a move downhill to the new settlement now known as Salisbury, where a new cathedral was founded in 1220.Thereafter Old Sarum went into steep decline. Its cathedral was demolished and its castle was eventually abandoned. But the largely uninhabited site continued to 'elect' two MPs, becoming the most notorious of the 'Rotten Boroughs' swept away by the 1832 Reform Act.

Today, the remains of the prehistoric fortress and of the Norman palace, castle and cathedral evoke memories of thousands of years of history, which are interpreted by graphic panels throughout the site.
Opening Times
(2009 times)
21 Mar-30 Jun, daily 10am-5pm
1 Jul-31 Aug, daily 9am-6pm
1-30 Sep, daily 10am-5pm
1-31 Oct, daily 10am-4pm
1 Nov-28 Feb, daily 11am-3pm
1- 31 Mar, daily 10am-4pm

Last admission 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed 24-26 Dec 2008 and 1 Jan 2009.

Admission Charges
(2009 prices)
Adult:£2.90
Children:£1.50
Concession:£2.30

English Heritage Members:Free

Directions
Road Access: 2 miles N of Salisbury, off A345
Train Access: Salisbury 2 miles
Bus Access: Wilts & Dorset/Stagecoach in Hampshire, 5-9 from Salisbury.

Old Sarum is now included in The Stonehenge Tour, a special all-inclusive package from Salisbury railway station and city centre which includes a bus tour with commentary and admission to Stonehenge and Old Sarum. For details visit www.thestonehengetour.info or call 01722 336855
Show map of Old Sarum ...

Old Sarum Postcode for SatNav: SP1 3SD

Nearby Attractions
Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum (2 Miles)*
Let Salisbury Museum take you on a journey through one of the most fascinating areas of Britain.
Salisbury Cathedral (2 Miles)*
Salisbury Cathedral is a building of world importance. Set within the elegant splendour of the Cathedral Close it is probably the finest medieval building in Britain.
Wilton House (2 Miles)*
Wilton house, 450 year old home to the Earl of Pembroke, provides a fascinating insight into British history.
more nearby attractions...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Nearby Hotels
Milford Hall Hotel (2 Miles)*
Originally a Georgian Mansion House, the Milford Hall - a member of Classic British Hotels, is now a highly rated, family owned hotel, representing a new concept in hotel comfort, convenience and value.
Best Western Red Lion Hotel (2 Miles)*
This hotel is Salisbury's hidden treasure.Walk through the 13th century coaching archway to the unique courtyard that lies beyond. Situated in the heart of the city, the Red Lion offers a warm welcome and convivial atmosphere.
The Old Mill Hotel And 12th Century Restaurant (2 Miles)*
The Old Mill Hotel sits on the edge of the River Avon, with beautiful views across the river and of Salisbury Cathedral.The 12th Century building has many original features, including the Mill Race, which runs through the restaurant.
more nearby hotels...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Nearby Self Catering
Fir Trees Apartment (1 Mile)*
Stylish self catering apartment. Fully equipped and recently renovated to a high standard. Ideally situated for walking to Salisbury Cathedral and city centre and touring Stonehenge, Bath, Winchester, New Forest and the South coast.
The Blue Cottage (10 Miles)*
This beautiful 16th century thatched cottage stands on the edge of the small village of Ebbesbourne Wake, hidden away in the Chalke Valley, which runs between the city of Salisbury with its famous cathedral.
The Old Piggery (14 Miles)*
Comfort in the Old Piggery, Cools Farm Recently restored, this delightful 17th century farmhouse lies within the Cranborne Chase AONB - Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Nestling under the old Fonthill Abbey beacon.
Your property could be here
Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
more nearby self catering...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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