Salisbury Cathedral celebrates 800 years through virtual services and events

It was the year 1220, and following a decision made by Bishop Richard Poore to move from Old Sarum, a site for the relocating cathedral was confirmed on April 28.

Eight centuries on, the cathedral remains a special place of worship that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

The cathedral is immersed in history and has lived through the world’s most significant chapters and challenges, becoming iconic in modern times for its size, construction, maintenance, stories and music.

To celebrate the anniversary a year of celebrations was planned for the city, which has been halted following the Covid-19 outbreak.

Online services and exhibits have been set up however, to allow commemorations to go ahead virtually.

On Tuesday the milestone was marked by an online service of thanksgiving, which included the reading of a poem from the 1200s, which was translated especially for the anniversary and described the cathedral site as a “second Eden”, and children had recreated a drama that was originally performed at the 750th anniversary.

After the service Canon Precentor Anna Macham said: “This week has been quite tough, it is sinking in that how we are now living is the new normal, and I find this worship and the story of the cathedral quite comforting.

"800 years ago there were people experiencing their own challenges - soldiers were horrible to them, moving a cathedral across land through wind and rain, but they got through it, so it’s a really encouraging story to tell during this time.”

Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos said: “To be the Dean of Salisbury is a dream, but being here for such a significant milestone is such a privilege.”

Talking about the history of the cathedral to the Journal, the Dean said one of his favourite archived tales was about the life of poet and vicar George Herbert from the 1600s, who would walk across Salisbury’s water meadows to reach the walls of the cathedral where he would make music.

“To me he was one of the finest poets in English literature, so to think he was inspired and delighted by our cathedral is just extraordinary,” the Dean added.

He said: “I was delighted with the service [on Tuesday], everyone played their part beautifully. It was lovely to hear the choristers who we really miss.

“The cathedral and Salisbury were built together and belong and flourish together, one cannot exist without the other. They are part of one another.

“The cathedral exists to serve the city and our community.”

In recent years the site has been visited by famous figures including the Queen, British poet Carol Ann Duffy and rap star Jay-Z, and has been the focal point in shows including Antiques Roadshow and Time Team, as well as hosting a selection of animals and bespoke art installations.

A volunteer system has allowed more than 600 residents of the city to come forward and support the cathedral, with jobs varying from stewarding and gardening to assisting in the shop.

Retired teacher and head guide at Salisbury Cathedral Chris Barnard, who has been a volunteer since 2005, said: “I used to bring my pupils to Salisbury Cathedral so I’ve always had a strong connection to it. Everyone in Salisbury has a connection to it.

“This is my fourth year as a head guide and it has just been wonderful, I haven’t regretted it at all.”

Chris said his two favourite memories from volunteering include the Darkness to Light Advent processions, and an unexpected visit from a camel.

As well as volunteers, organisations across the city have been celebrating the cathedral’s 800th year, including Salisbury City Council.

Council leader Jeremy Nettle said the authority is “delighted” to be involved, adding that the mayoral system is nearly as old as the cathedral itself.

He said: “According to research available the city’s very first mayor recorded was John Hethe in 1387, who was also the MP for Salisbury.

“This heritage and the many artisans and their skills that came from all over the Europe to help build the cathedral is still reflected in the architecture and residents of the city today.

“To be a leader of Salisbury City Council is indeed a unique privilege, a beautiful city that has had to adapt to so many changes over the years from plagues to wars, and more recently Novichok to Covid-19.

“The cathedral sitting in the centre of its five rivers has seen so much change and I am sure will see even more as we move forward. Happy anniversary Salisbury Cathedral and let your light and spire be a beacon and inspiration to us all for now and the future.”

Mayor of Salisbury John Walsh also welcomed the celebrations, adding: “I have been known to compare the city’s association with the cathedral as like a marriage - it has had its ups and downs.

“One need look no further than the building of the Close wall to control entry to see that, but our partnership has endured and prospered despite the odd disagreement.

“Who has not felt a lifting of their spirits when they spot the cathedral spire on approaching Salisbury from any direction. It has remained a beacon of hope and continuity to the many generations of city folk who have lived beneath its shadow.”

Councillor Walsh added: “We are all very proud of our cathedral and the religious community who live within its walls, as they continue year after year to faithfully serve God and their fellow citizens across the Diocese. I look forward with pleasure to continue working closely with them.”