After breakfast we walked the short distance to Salisbury Cathedral. I enjoyed my visit to the Cathedral and I wasn’t disappointed after waiting so many years to venture inside. One of the first things we saw as we entered was a Live Video Camera scenes of Peregrine Falcon chicks feeding. They are nesting high up in the bell tower. Whilst at the Cathedral we had morning coffee in the cafe and browsed in the shop where I picked up a couple guide books.
One of the interesting things we learned was that the Cathedral is only built on four corner foundations and silt. When the silt begins to dry out water has to be introduced from the river in order to keep the foundations firm. The recent flooding had been a worry because the water level became extremely high. One of the Cathedral guides showed us how they checked the water level through a small covered hole in the Cathedral floor using a marked wooden stick (a depth gauge).
We then departed towards Mompesson House which is a grad II 18th-century house located in Cathedral Close where we planned to have lunch. Along the way Mr C flexed the plan and announced he was going to go into The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum which we just happened to pass on our way to Mompesson House. It was to close to lunch time to venture very far so Mum and I elected to visit the museum too. We each enjoyed different parts of the museum. I enjoyed the section on Afghanistan and the garden with its memorial stones and a fine 200 year old Copper Beech tree.
We eventually made our way to Mompesson House for lunch, which was slightly delayed whilst we waited for a family to stop dithering and milling around in front of the counter. They were not quite making up their minds on what they wanted to eat and drink. We waited (almost) patiently standing behind them in the queue having already chosen what we wanted. After lunch we strolled round the garden and house which is currently exhibiting a collection of strange modern art which seems to be the craze everywhere at the moment.
Next we visited the Salisbury museum where I expected to see architectural exhibits but found only textiles and ceramics (not quite my thing). The museum’s temporary exhibition was a biography of Cecil Beaton in words and photographs. This was very well done. When we had finished looking round the museum we sat in the garden eating tubs of ginger ice cream whilst enjoying the view of the Cathedral. I found out today that the architectural wing of the museum has just opened!! A few days too late for me to enjoy 
When we returned to the hotel I had a long soak in the bath before getting ready to go out for our evening meal. The meal itself was a disappointment leading to an earlier than usual return to the hotel for a nightcap. The barman found us a rather nice delicate Rose wine to finish off the evening with.
The falcons obviously have a thing for tall spires…………………..
http://www.cathedral.org.uk/visitorinfo/norwich-cathedral-peregrine-falcons-norwich-cathedral-peregrine-falcons.aspx
Ready for when you visit Cherrie
That is one spectacular time lapse photo. I will have to add Norwich to my ‘to visit’ list
Perhaps the birds feel safe up in the dizzy heights of the Cathedrals?
On the day I visited Salisbury Cathedral the birds were being ringed and the tower guided tours would have to fit around this.
It’s such an interesting small City to visit, Cherie – I like the selection of buildings you have chosen to show
There are a lot of interesting buildings in Salisbury. I am glad we chose Salisbury as a destination, Mum hadn’t seen any of the things we visited which surprised me!
OMG I can’t believe that there are only four corner foundations. It’s a shame they did not think to add so many more. It’s also a wonder it is still standing!
The fascinating facts you find out on your travels always fascinates and delights me! I would certainly love to go to Salisbury again,myself.
Well they would not know all those years ago… Or perhaps they did and the silty foundation is all that was needed. Thank goodness we have people who understand how to keep the Cathedral standing today
Love the triple entrance.
It is a fine building called the wardrobe because it used to be the bishops clothing store. Next door to it is Ted Heath’s former house Arundells.
Looks like another good day, always helps with Title shots of large churches and Cathedrals.
One of the things I found about photographing Salisbury Cathedral (as with Exeter Cathedral for a different reason) was the difficulty in getting it all in. Ok, I was in 35mm film at the time and always insisted on a standard 50mm lens with a 1.8 f stop, but that didn’t help my cause here.
Yes it is difficult to get everthing in the way you want it. I had the added problem of ‘Scaffolding’ from certain angles.
At best it is always a compromise.