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Who can think of Salisbury without seeing in their mind's eye the Constable
painting of Salisbury cathedral seen across the river Avon? Well here
is the river, but where is the cathedral?
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This sundial sits on Malmesbury House right by St. Ann Gate. Handel,
the great Baroque composer, stayed in Malmesbury House and used the chapel
in St. Ann Gate for recitals. The quote on the dial is from Hamlet, of
course.
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Here it is, the cathedral everyone is talking about. I must say that
I can't really tell the difference between this one and the one in Winchester.
They're both great Gothic piles to me.
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| The front of the cathedral is covered with these life-size
sculptures. From the organ this one is holding, we can tell that she is
supposed to be St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music. |
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On a much more intimate scale, the cloisters inside are absolutely
lovely. The contrast between the delicate tracery of the arches and the
rustic stonework above is highlighted by perennial plantings and one of
those famous English lawns. |
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| Outside a thrush was listening for worms in the lawn. In the
large version, you can see that his beak is grubby from the moist soil.
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The cathedral is visible from many places in Salisbury including
from the garden of Mompesson House. The house itself is pretty and well-proportioned
in a way that will make you think of Jane Austen movies. In fact the house
featured in Sense and Sensibility with Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant. |
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For me it was the gardens that were the main attraction. I think you
can see why, taking in this lavender-edged path leading up to an ivy-covered
wall with a coat of arms.
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There was a wisteria-clad pergola too. |
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And yellow hollyhocks.
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