When in Salisbury's Market Square, it's a tradition to eat at Stoby's Fish & Chips.Stoby's was originally an open yard between two buildings, and was enclosed with a wall either end and a roof to create a building about 250 years ago.
It's the narrowest restaurant I've ever been in, measuring about 12' wall to wall.
The fish'n'chips is yummy.
The gooey green stuff is mushy peas. Never tasted any? You've missed a traditional British treat!
The jewel of Salisbury is the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Salisbury Cathedral has the tallest spire in the UK, and the building was completed in only 38 years, from 1220-1258.It also has has the largest cloister and the largest cathedral close in Britain covering 80 acres. It contains the world's oldest working clock dating from AD 1386 and has one of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta.
The gentleman in the middle (above) is Bishop Poore, who oversaw the early years of the building's construction, beginning in 1220. He is holding a model of the Cathedral.
The gentleman in the middle (above) is Bishop Poore, who oversaw the early years of the building's construction, beginning in 1220. He is holding a model of the Cathedral.And this poor chap (below) isn't having much fun being bitten by a vengeful little monster of some kind... click to see the detail.
The spire and tower weigh 6,397 tons and were added to the building between 1310-1333. Most large spires of this magnitude fell down years ago, but buttresses, bracing arches and iron ties have been added as support over the centuries enabling Salisbury to boast the tallest surviving pre-1400 spire in the world. The large supporting pillars at the corners of the spire bend inwards under the strain.
The only day in the whole year when the Cathedral is closed is when they prepare for the annual flower show.
The spire and tower weigh 6,397 tons and were added to the building between 1310-1333. Most large spires of this magnitude fell down years ago, but buttresses, bracing arches and iron ties have been added as support over the centuries enabling Salisbury to boast the tallest surviving pre-1400 spire in the world. The large supporting pillars at the corners of the spire bend inwards under the strain.
The only day in the whole year when the Cathedral is closed is when they prepare for the annual flower show.Yes, that's the day I was there, so I couldn't go inside. Just my luck!
However, Stonehenge is only a short bus ride away, but that's another story.
Please scroll down for previous posts about my vacation in England.
Oh My! That is one AWESOME Cathedral! Your posts make me want to visit!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a such a gorgeous cathedral that I still remember visiting it in 1981! That was a Lo-o-ong time ago. ;-)
ReplyDeleteAwesome travel pictures. What beautiful interesting country.
ReplyDeleteMushy peas? Tell me more.....
I am always in awe of the building that were built so long ago and endure until today. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful architecture, ex-S!
ReplyDeleteDon't tell Frank about the fish and chips.. he'll be SO jealous!
Ha been there too good.
ReplyDeleteWhat a difference to our local architecture. I was watching a program this week about barracks at Fort Ord on the Monterey coast that were built in the 1940s are being torn down within the year. You've got your almost 800 year old Cathedral standing the test of time. And our 60 year old barracks can't even last a generation.
ReplyDeleteWow, Ex-Shammy you did so well! I love Salisbury, my mum went to college there (her college is now a museum, she hates it when I tell people that!) did you see how the spire veers off to one side? I just went to see another one of the surviving Magna Carters yesterday in the British Library. I've been so busy I've not blogged in a while, but you've inspired me! Plus, I got a job in the UK tour of CABARET, so that'll give me plenty of blog-worthy destinations!
ReplyDeleteHey, I looked up too, to some little gargoyles etc. Yours is unique.
ReplyDeleteI loved Salisbury Cathedral when I first visited Peggy in the UK. Such an awe-inspiring place and yet so warm and intimate with all the gravestones set in the floor and the many memorials on/in the walls.
ReplyDeleteFantastic architecture and images.
ReplyDeleteI so love fish and chips :-)
You where just down the road from me! That restaurant is only one foot smaller than the width of my house!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMagna Charta! One of the few dates in history I remember: 1215!
ReplyDeleteBad luck about the only closure day, but I guess you got some comfort by the Fish & Chips! There is a tendency to make jokes about this dish, but it can be REALLY good!
I went to the link you posted for mushy peas and all I remembered after reading the description were food colorings and flatulence. :-)
ReplyDeleteDennis loves fish n chips, he likes the mushy peas better than the chips even.
ReplyDeleteThat Cathedral looks very cool the exterior is GORGEOUS>!~!
The fish place is great and I love the cathedral. Great shots.
ReplyDeleteHi, Nice to see you enjoyed your holiday, especially the "Fish-n-chips" although I'm not a mushy pea man myself.
ReplyDeleteFABULOUS! This Church is extraordinary...My My My! It is sad you couldn't go in but what you did see and share is just fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI am such a glutton for travel stories and pics like this, Ex-S. But you already know that! :)
ReplyDeleteMarvelous photos, but Mmmmm!...fish and chips! My favorite. Can't get any like the English ones over here.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen Salisbury Cathedral when it wasn't covered in scaffolding!
ReplyDeleteWe used to live in Wiltshire you know. It is where our George was born.
What a beautiful Cathedral,Shame it was closed on your visit there,It would have been lovely see to see inside.
ReplyDeleteOhhh Your fish and chips looks so yummy, I think ill go down the fish shop for lunch...