Salisbury Cathedral: Gothic Home of the Magna Carta

Built in the 13th century. Holds an important document from the 13th century. Still standing in the 21st century. We Brits do like to build things that last.
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[@brynknight2745]

Salisbury native here, I went to school at Bishop Wordsworth's which is right next door to the cathedral, this video certainly brings me some nostalgia. It's a bit generous of you to say it was built to last, it's had scaffolding around it for at least the last 15 years, probably longer. Although I had school assemblies in the cathedral about 50 times and have been up to the highest observation platform a few times I'd forgotten a lot of the stuff you covered in this video. Although it might not be the most thrilling topic in the world I certainly appreciated it 🙂 thank you Simon

[@horse2343]

It’s 800 years old. I’d say it’s lasted

[@satakrionkryptomortis]

have you ever heard of the cathedral of cologne? lets talk about build to last and having scaffolding around it after that...

[@freewyvern707]

Thought about going to Bishops. Decided against it when my 11+ was interrupted by a Fire Drill

[@wss2191]

@@satakrionkryptomortis I live in Salisbury and have also been to koln cathedral its beautiful, I remember the wooden staircase moving when you climbed them to get to the towers

[@lucieirl]

Lol mood I was at swgs and took philosophy there, on those freezing cold foggy mornings it was just stony scaffolding. On clear sunny days it’s an amazing cathedral though

[@joelongjr.5114]

I had the privilege of visiting Salisbury Cathedral and seeing their copy of the Magna Carta in August 1993. My group took the tower tour, though could not go inside the tower due to renovations. Our guide told us the cathedral was built on the only ground that could support its immense weight. Our guide told us if it would have been built a hundred feet in any direction, the foundation would not have been stable in the swampy ground and probably would not have survived to today. A beautiful building.

[@flurkin]

This is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. I took a trip to England, specifically to visit Salisbury for a week. Exploring the town and visiting the cathedral every day is one of my fondest memories from my pre covid days when i was an avid traveler.

[@Cunning.Stunt.777]

Exploring the CITY* you mean. Towns have a Church and a Market, Cities have a Cathedral and/or a University

[@flurkin]

@@Cunning.Stunt.777 yes you are absolutely correct

[@awoman2041]

I’ve lived in Salisbury my whole life and I can not comprehend that you came here and actually enjoyed it

[@flurkin]

@@awoman2041 well you have no appreciation for history i guess

[@DefinitelyAPotato]

@@Cunning.Stunt.777 Old cities yes, modern ones simply need royal charter to become cities, and don't require a cathedral or university at all.

[@curiousworld7912]

You could do an entire episode on Gothic Architecture. It was, in its time, an incredible innovation in architecture, and goodness knows - each cathedral was a 'mega-project' of its own. And the style holds up, beautifully.

[@johnhobson9165]

If he does, he should be sure to include King's College Chapel at Cambridge University. It was the last Gothic church built in England, and possibly the last in Europe. A masterpiece of the Perpendicular style.

[@curiousworld7912]

@@johnhobson9165 That's, what - 15th century? Yes, that would be pretty late for the style. I've not been there, but I do hear it's amazing.

[@monicacall7532]

I also agree that you should do a longer video on the gothic architectural style. This style of architecture is everywhere in the British Isles and Europe. For places of worship it is especially conducive to inspiring a sense of awe and wonder. That Salisbury Cathedral was built in just 38 is miraculous. Many cathedrals took over 100+ years to complete which was the reason why many of them show a series of innovations in the architectural styles over the time they were built which gives them a unique look whereas Salisbury has a single unified design and look. It’s a magnificent building. BTW Victorian “restoration” is such a misnomer! In their hubris 19th century “restorers” caused significant damage and destruction to beautiful buildings and works of art.🤬

[@jimjim401]

Two things I remember about Salisbury; one funny, one serious. The surface of the water in the font is incredibly smooth and never shows so much as a ripple. Women touring the cathedral have been known to mistake it for a solid surface and try to set their purses on it, to hilarious effect. I visited there for a week in, if I recall correctly, 2010. My wife's church choir sang services there while the boys of the cathedral choir were on school vacation. I have visited a lot of churches, but I have never been so warmly or comprehensively welcomed anywhere. Of all the cathedrals we sang in, none has the place in our hearts that Salisbury does.

[@ShimmyShimmyK8]

I wish I'd had a better appreciation for this beautiful place when I went to England for the first time ten years ago. I was SO hungover from trying to pub crawl the night before in Hammersmith that I ended up spending my time at the cathedral napping under a tree. I did get some nice photos of the outside, but didn't want to throw up inside a church, so we didn't go in... I will never forget how beautiful the town and cathedral are.

[@randyconnell1130]

I had the fortune to visit the area in 2015. I was able to visit Salisbury Cathedral, Stonehenge, and Old Sarum. Amazing places!!!

[@deemariedubois4916]

Salisbury Cathedral is magnificent. I would love to visit it in person. The stain glass windows are incredible and the light in the church with the gray stone is amazing. This architectural wonder is truly a work of art. Thanks Simon, this is my favorite mega-project as yet.

[@BloodTea.3D]

Omg, I have visited this church so meany times because my Nan lives near by, but as I was so Yong I never got to really appreciate it!😢

[@opossumbandit4960]

Been to many cathedrals and Salisbury is definitely my favorite! Such a beautiful cathedral

[@AthAthanasius]

You're one sentence in and I'm yelling "Salisbury is a CITY, not a TOWN!" at the screen. You know, one of those royal charter *cathedral* cities.

[@Cunning.Stunt.777]

Thaaaaaankyou! Same same

[@resisantcubegaming983]

Yes I am so glad you wrote this 👌 every time he said town arrgghhh 😂😂

[@maxisussex]

Rochester is a town with a cathedral. I know that doesn't change the fact Salisbury is a city.

[@albertsamuel3336]

Pretty nice of you Simon to upload this amazing piece of Gothic architecture when my architecture history class had just finished the subject on Gothic architecture. Awesome video as always.

[@TheQuickSilver101]

Salisbury Cathedral has been on my list of places to visit when I eventually get to visit the UK. It was truly mega for its time.

[@dave928]

you won't be disappointed. don't forget Stonehenge, only 20 minutes away.

[@tamaracarter1836]

Great choice! If you’re interested in English Cathedrals from the medieval era, I’ve written about a selection of my favourites (that may be useful to you): *Lincoln Cathedral:* World’s tallest building from 1311 - 1548 (when the spire collapsed in a storm), and was the first building to hold that title since the Great Pyramid of Giza. Only one cathedral (so far) has ever managed to surpass its height - Ulm Minster in Germany. It is regarded as a gothic masterpiece and completely dominates the surrounding landscape (views of the cathedral from the nearby castle are amazing). One of the highlights inside are the exquisitely carved 14th century choir stalls. *Durham Cathedral:* One of the finest Romanesque buildings in Europe, with a stunning position overlooking the river. It is architecturally very important - containing elements that prove it to have influenced (what would later be created in France) Gothic architecture. It also sits next to a medieval castle, which contains a stunning Norman Chapel [1078-1080] with exquisite stone carving. *York Minster:* One of the largest medieval cathedrals, with the widest nave, in Europe that took almost 250 years to complete. It contains the largest expanse (in a single window) of medieval stained glass in the world, and an expansive collection of 11th-15th century stained glass elsewhere in the cathedral. *Ely Cathedral:* A unique and striking building, due in part to the mix of gothic and Romanesque on its exterior - that gives it an almost “castle-like” appearance. The originality continues inside with the gravity-defying central octagonal tower (the finest of its kind), the highest medieval church nave in England, intricately carved Lady Chapel and beautifully painted ceilings. *Canterbury Cathedral:* The UK’s oldest cathedral in terms of when it was founded (the year 597AD, although the present building started in 1070). It holds one of Europe’s most important collection of 12th-15th century medieval stained glass, the earliest use of gothic architecture (outside of France) on a major building, and of course famous for the murder of Thomas Becket in 1170. *Wells Cathedral:* It has one of the most beautiful cathedral facades (the west front), which contains over 300 original medieval statues. Inside there is the revolutionary mid-14th century “scissor-arches” (the first of their kind), and a substantial collection of medieval glass. It is also the first ‘100% pure’ gothic cathedral in the world (being built in the gothic style ‘from foundations’ in 1175 - therefore without a preexisting Romanesque structure). Connected to the cathedral is the oldest purely ‘residential’ street in Europe called “Vicars’ Close, Wells”; with all its original buildings still intact (the houses were built between 1348-1355). *Salisbury Cathedral:* One of the finest Early Gothic cathedrals in Europe. It was built “entirely” in the new Gothic style between 1220-1258; giving it a uniquely coherent appearance with very little subsequent alteration. It contains the best preserved (of the 4 in existence) copies of the Magna Carta (written 1215), the world’s oldest working clock (dated to 1386) and the tallest masonry spire in the world. *Winchester Cathedral:* The longest ‘medieval’ cathedral in the world, and has incredible views down the longest ‘medieval’ nave. It contains 7 intricately carved Chantry Chapels, a huge 15th century screen, well preserved 11th century Romanesque crypts (that occasionally flood with water), one of the largest collections of medieval decorated tile and very fine wall paintings from the 12th-16th century. *Peterborough Cathedral:* Known for its famous “West Front”, a very early English Gothic facade which is unrivalled in Gothic architecture for its originality. Inside there is the largest (and oldest), of the 4 remaining decorated medieval wooden cathedral ceilings (built around 1200) remaining in Europe, extremely well preserved 12th century Romanesque interiors and very fine fan vaulting within the ‘new building’ (which is a side chapel). *Gloucester Cathedral:* The cathedral cloisters are probably the most beautiful in all of Europe; with outstanding mid-14th century fan vaulting (earliest fan vaulting in existence). There is also the “Great East Window” (created 1350); one of Europe’s finest and the size of a tennis court (it was the largest window in the world at its time of construction), incredible early Perpendicular interiors (notably the gossamer thin stone supporting the choir vault) and a very large collection of early misericords (14th century). *Norwich Cathedral:* The cathedral is made of beautiful Caen stone and remains largely unaltered from its initial construction in 1096-1145 (apart from some later gothic additions). The main treasure of the cathedral would be the thousands of carved and painted medieval “bosses”, that can be found along the nave and double storey cloister ceilings - one of the greatest collections of medieval art in Europe, as well as 61 misericords (mostly dating to the 15th century). *Westminster Abbey:* (Although not officially a cathedral) it has held the coronations of many English Kings/ Queens for nearly 1000 years, it is obviously a very important building for this reason and why over 3,300 notable historical figures are buried within its walls. The Abbey contains many great examples of Gothic, from the intricately carved 13th century North Front and imposing height of the nave, to the exuberance of the latter stages; as outlined in the Henry VII chapel. Interestingly, it also contains one of the countries oldest doors (dated to 1050AD). *King’s College Chapel, Cambridge:* (Not a cathedral, but had to include this too) the second largest Chapel in the World, and a magnificent building showcasing the last stages of Gothic architecture in England; containing the largest span of (exquisite) fan vaulting in the world, the largest collection of 16th century stained glass anywhere, and even an altarpiece by Rubens.

[@tamaracarter1836]

Also if you’re interested in historic places to visit in England (sorry I don’t know Scotland or Wales that well), then I have this that may also be helpful, as it lists some of my favourite places that I’ve visited in different regions: - West England: *Pretty Villages and Towns:* Lacock, Wiltshire, Castle Combe, Wiltshire, Burford, Oxfordshire, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, Bibury, Gloucestershire, Painswick, Gloucestershire, Stanton Village, Gloucestershire, Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire, Corsham, Wiltshire, Dunster, Somerset, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, Snowshill Village, Gloucestershire, Broadway Village, Worcestershire, Cirencester, Gloucestershire. Great Tew Village, Oxfordshire, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, Frome, Somerset. *Historic Cities:* Bath, Somerset, Oxford, Oxfordshire, Wells, Somerset, Salisbury, Wiltshire, Bristol (the Old Town). ------------------ - South England: *Pretty Villages and Towns:* Rye, East Sussex, St. Ives, Cornwall, Corfe Castle Village, Dorset, Mousehole, Cornwall, Clovelly Village, Devon, Sandwich Town, Kent, Cockington Village, Devon, Arundel Town, West Sussex, Chilham Village, Kent, Sherborne, Dorset, Wherwell, Hampshire, Polporro, Cornwall, Totnes, Devon, Penshurst Village, Kent Lewes, East Sussex, Micheldever Village, Hampshire, Shaftesbury, Dorset, Chiddingstone Village, Kent, Lustleigh Village, Devon, Alfriston Village, East Sussex, West Lulworth Village, Dorset, Dartmouth, Devon. *Historic Cities:* Canterbury, Kent, Winchester, Hampshire, Rochester, Kent, Brighton *a mix of the historic with new/vibrant, Chichester, West Sussex. ---------------- - North England: *Pretty Villages and Towns:* Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire, Ludlow, Shropshire, Bakewell, Derbyshire, Staithes, North Yorkshire, Hawkeshead Village, Cumbria, Haworth, West Yorkshire, Richmond, North Yorkshire, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, Grassington, North Yorkshire, Longnor Village, Staffordshire, Thornton-le-Dale, North Yorkshire, Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire, Whitby, North Yorkshire, Alnwick Town, Northumberland, Ashford-in-the-Water, Derbyshire, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, Great Budworth, Cheshire, Sedbergh, Cumbria, Castleton, Derbyshire, Middleham, North Yorkshire. *Historic Cities:* York, North Yorkshire, Durham, County Durham, Chester, Cheshire, Beverley, East Yorkshire, Southwell, Nottinghamshire, Ripon, North Yorkshire. ------------------ - East England: *Pretty Villages and Towns:* Lavenham, Suffolk, Stamford, Lincolnshire, Wendens Ambo Village, Essex, Kersey Village, Suffolk, Uppingham, Rutland, Little Walsingham, Norfolk, Saffron Walden, Essex, Houghton Village, Cambridgeshire, Clare Village, Suffolk, Chelsworth, Suffolk, Dedham Village, Essex, Castle Rising Village, Norfolk, Flatford, Suffolk, King’s Lynn Old Town, Norfolk, Nayland, Suffolk, Kimbolton Village, Cambridgeshire, Ketton Village, Rutland, Castle Hedingham Village, Essex, Blakeney High Street, Norfolk, Thaxted, Essex. *Historic Cities:* Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Norwich, Norfolk, Ely, Cambridgeshire. ---------------- - Central England: *Pretty Villages and Towns:* Turville, Buckinghamshire, Shere, Surrey, Denham Village, Buckinghamshire, Oundle, Northamptonshire, Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, Weobley, Herefordshire, Woburn Village, Bedfordshire, Welford-on-Avon, Warwickshire, West Wycombe Village, Buckinghamshire, Ledbury, Herefordshire, Collyweston, Northamptonshire, Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire, Ilmington, Warwickshire, Pembridge Village, Herefordshire, Ombersley Village, Worcestershire, Chiddingfold Village, Surrey, Eardisland, Herefordshire, Fingest Village, Buckinghamshire, Apethorpe Village, Northamptonshire. *Historic Cities:* Lichfield, Staffordshire, Windsor Town, St Albans, Hertfordshire, Worcester, Worcestershire (Old Town area), Hereford, Herefordshire. ------------------

[@grassytramtracks]

Russian assassins would agree with you there

[@AirmetSierra]

This was probably one of my favorite landmarks to visit when I took a trip to the UK. Though it was a little unnerving standing under the tower and seeing all the support columns bowing out under the weight.

[@MontyGriffsGarage]

As a Wiltshire resident, great to see an excellent production dedicated to this important county. One other suggestion is Buckfast abbey, built in a similar time period by 4 monks, only 1 of which was vaguely trained in masonry.

[@davidhopkinson6647]

Been years but one of my favourite cathedrals.

[@katajha831]

Happy Holidays Simon and Crew. What a present. I traveled all the way from Minnesota to see this Cathedral and the tomb of one of its bishops, and of course the Magna Carta. Its is so impressive. Also got up to old sarum. That was a treat. Again thanks.

[@stevefox3763]

Lol, you came all the way from the states to visit this shit hole?

[@thomaslgrice]

@@stevefox3763 Funny you should say, when we visited on our first trip abroad in 1984 and spent 3 nights in Salisbury, the most impressive bit (for me) of Old Sarum was the latrine pit in the walls. Quite an ancient shit hole, if you please.

[@stevefox3763]

@@thomaslgrice I'm living in this cess pit of a town, it really is a horrible place to live.

[@tamaracarter1836]

​@@stevefox3763 You may not appreciate where you live, but other people certainly do - including me. Salisbury is a beautiful, historic city and well worth visiting for anyone who appreciates history and architecture. Plus it’s not as if Salisbury is in the middle of nowhere - there’s so much to see nearby; including Stonehenge/ Avebury stone circles, the stunning Cotswolds (although Wiltshire contains plenty of other pretty villages/ towns outside of the Cotswolds AONB) and other beautiful neighbouring cities such as Bath, Oxford, Wells etc... Hopefully one day you can appreciate your surroundings!

[@stevefox3763]

@@tamaracarter1836 the past is the past and Salisbury I'd stuck in it and obsessed with it! It refuses to move on and fights progress Md development. There's nothing for families to do, it's a horrible place and desperately need to look forward and not back, holding on to stupid history at the cost of providing for the present is stupid and wrong.

[@Terri_MacKay]

As a history nerd, I really enjoyed this one. Please do more episodes on historical structures and buildings.

[@stephaniewilson3955]

Lincoln Cathedral also has a copy of the Magna Carta. There were several that were spread about the country to publicise it.

[@jamesjross]

Yeah but its in Lincoln.

[@rorykyle418]

Jamie Ross Lincoln is arguably far more impressive than Salisbury

[@jamesjross]

@@rorykyle418 Yeah but its Lincoln.

[@therogansofely]

Another ‘Ancient Mega project’ you should definitely look at is ELY CATHEDRAL. One of the oldest with ties to Saint Etheldreda, Oliver Cromwell (lived just 200 m away), with Ely being a Cathedral City with approx. 15000 inhabitants. Cathedral built on highest point on the ‘Isle of Ely’. Take a look Simon, I think you’ll find it more & more interesting the deeper you look.

[@_ob200]

Some facts about the cathedral : 1)The cathedrals foundations are supported on facseens and bails of reads. 2)You can see the spire from most of the southern part of the county

[@theoneanton]

3) Very popular with Russian tourists

[@miket2728]

Gotta do Lincoln cathedral, tallest structure in the world for a while. Moved to Lincoln from USA 3 years ago and it’s always a great sight to see.

[@Bobrogers99]

It boggles my mind to see all that detailed stonework and realize that every inch of it was carved by skilled men with very basic tools. Think of the number of hours needed for just one piece, so a great many skilled stonemasons were required, year after year after year. All those statues had to be carved by artists, a lot of them. A major chunk of the local economy would be consumed in this project, and the population managed to support it.

[@silverstarlight9395]

Skilled men and women, not just skilled men.

[@abcdefc1645]

I flew directly over this cathedral in 2014 whilst I was on MOD Boscombe Down, beautiful area to fly around, fair play!

[@simongleaden2864]

Interesting, informative video. I've visited all the Church of England and Catholic cathedrals in England except one, and Salisbury is among the first rank, with Durham, York, Canterbury, Ely and Lincoln. It's a pity the bell tower and screen were swept away - with the Listed Building regulations these days, such a drastic "restoration" would never be allowed now.

[@caw25sha]

Which one haven't you visited?

[@ignitionfrn2223]

0:55 - Chapter 1 - Origins 3:15 - Chapter 2 - Original construction 5:05 - Chapter 3 - Renovations 7:05 - Chapter 4 - Architectural features & feats 10:20 - Chapter 5 - A piece of History

[@johnhobson9165]

"Doctor" comes from a Latin word meaning "teacher". "Doctrine" is a cognate. The statutes of doctors at the Cathedral's west front are "Doctors of the Church", a title given to noteworthy theologians, such as Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas, John Chrysostom and so on.

[@StevePetrica]

Ha! Yes, the "even doctors" comment caught my ear, too, and suggested that Simon didn't know the meaning of the word in this context.

[@rorypuds]

It is a absolute classic cathedral.

[@telosmonos_gustavo]

Truly enjoyed this feature on Salisbury Cathedral, quite illuminating. Ranks up there with Simon Callow's beautiful work on Secrets of Britain's Great Cathedrals wherein he does spend some time detailing Salisbury Cathedral as well. You and Mr. Callow are gifted with the talent, style and erudition that compels people to listen and learn. Each of you are indeed a British natural treasure in your own right! Cheers!!! 🥃

[@manitleekitwattana3780]

I have been there. Good to see Salisbury again from Thailand.

[@tedrex8959]

Lincoln Cathedral, might be an interesting video, not only does it have the magna carta it was also supposed to have been the largest building from Lincoln to the Urals at one point. What with earthquakes, fire and storms it has had an interesting life.

[@SlopedOtter]

I was based very near by when I was in the evening and paid a few visits, very very impressive

[@taqiyasir8086]

a truly beautiful Cathedral

[@carinamchugh4436]

Ancient mega projects are always fascinating, thank you for this one. :)

[@rade-blunner7824]

To qualify as ancient it would have to be several thousand years older than it is.

[@Adiscretefirm]

38 years, long for Megaprojects, short for cathedrals.

[@davidhopkinson6647]

yeah - was thinking 38 years is probably the longest for finished mega projects but Sagrada Familia is ongoing and much longer in the making.

[@kaisattelberg5548]

@@davidhopkinson6647 Well, Sagrada Familia began construction in 1882 and will finish within the decade (it was supposed to conclude in 2026, but ... Covid); surely an impressive 144+ years, but the cathedral of Cologne, Germany took 632 years (though there was a break between ~1560-1860). And then, depending on how one defines when a building is "finished" and how to address such pauses, other cathedrals might have taken longer, still (e.g. Notre Dame).

[@merlynscave]

I have been there dozens of times. Mostly in my childhood as we had relatives who lived in Amesbury, which is a few miles away. We also used to visit Stonehenge when you could walk about the stones.

[@MightyRagnarok]

I visited Salisbury Cathedral in July 2019. I was incredibly beautiful and interesting to me. I saw the Magna Carta and the clock. I even saw the small scale model of the cathedral and how they built it at the time. The pictures don't do it justice though as it is much more stunning in person. One thing that you can barely see in the video is that there are a bunch of sarcophagi in the cathedral of knights, bishops, etc. They were still working on the facade of the cathedral when I was there, so there was a bunch of scafolding up in places. I wonder if they are done now because they had been working on restoring it for years and years. I went to Old Sarum and Stonehenge too. Old Sarum was really cool and I got to walk the grounds and examine the foundations of where buildings once stood. I wish I could have gone inside to the middle of the fort but they were charging more money to get in than expected. Caught a lot of Poke'mon on Poke'mon Go at these locations to. I had fun and would love to go again.

[@timmaay7181]

More cathedral mega projects!!!

[@moonpeople72]

Never thought I'd see Simon do a video on my home town! Thanks man!

[@josephpiskac2781]

Thanks, I visited the Cathedral in 1991 and entered a California Monastery in 1993 as a Postulate. My Roman Catholic Brothers stole all my photographs though it is not clear if the photos were destroyed. I have image captured your presentation so thanks again I have recovered some of my lost file.

[@JimTheFly]

Apparently no one else was appreciating the Bach "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor" on all the cards during this instead of the usual music. Or if they were, they either a) didn't' mention it, or b) got so buried their comments ended up too many pages down for me to see. Don't worry, Luis and Jennifer, you at least got your props from one person. Great choice for a great video about a great church.

[@LuckyBaldwin777]

I appreciated it. Is my favorite piece on the pipe organ. Reminds me of my younger days when I went to a church in downtown Sacramento. On Saturdays I'd go to help get things set up for Sunday services. The organist would also be there practicing the hymns. I'd talk him into turning up the organ all the way and play this tune. Sounded so good echoing inside the church we'd get people off the street that would come in and listen. Those were fun times.

[@13thcentury]

Our marriage precession started here 👍 Proper medieval wedding. Boy did we get a crowd on onlookers. Brilliant.

[@acchaladka]

Gonna need some more details. Clothing? Protocols? Ceremony? Spill it, kind sir.

[@13thcentury]

@@acchaladka Blimey, we had a jester, minstrels and a hogs head. A proper hog roast. 50 people all in costume (the relatives had dubious ones, mostly monks). The main ceremony was Christian, mainly to fit the time period (14th century... ish). Bloody brilliant. My step father was dressed as a Bishop. Brilliant

[@erichouser7756]

I'm no Christian, however I do enjoy the architecture and meditation opportunities the churches provide

[@rolandoscar1696]

Please will you a program on the Ely cathedral. That weight on marsh land!!!. The octagon in itself is a megaproject.

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

Ely is built on Kimmeridge Clay and is the southern pier of the Humbef Bridge.

[@bigbadjohn10]

One of the things I like about Salisbury Cathedral is that the close is huge so that you can stand back from the cathedral to fully appreciate it.

[@beachboy0505]

Beautiful heritage, for Xmas day

[@bhgtree]

Happy Christmas Simon and team, Thanks for all the great videos on your channels over the last year.

[@sij748]

I'd love Megaprojects to look at other English cathedrals, such as Liverpool Cathedral, Lincoln Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, York Minster, Canterbury Cathedral etc

[@tamaracarter1836]

I agree! Here are some of my favourite English Cathedrals from the medieval era: *Lincoln Cathedral:* World’s tallest building from 1311 - 1548 (when the spire collapsed in a storm), and was the first building to hold that title since the Great Pyramid of Giza. Only one cathedral (so far) has ever managed to surpass its height - Ulm Minster in Germany. It is regarded as a gothic masterpiece and completely dominates the surrounding landscape (views of the cathedral from the nearby castle are amazing). One of the highlights inside are the exquisitely carved 14th century choir stalls. *Durham Cathedral:* One of the finest Romanesque buildings in Europe, with a stunning position overlooking the river. It is architecturally very important - containing elements that prove it to have influenced (what would later be created in France) Gothic architecture. It also sits next to a medieval castle, which contains a stunning Norman Chapel [1078-1080] with exquisite stone carving. *York Minster:* One of the largest medieval cathedrals, with the widest nave, in Europe that took almost 250 years to complete. It contains the largest expanse (in a single window) of medieval stained glass in the world, and an expansive collection of 11th-15th century stained glass elsewhere in the cathedral. *Ely Cathedral:* A unique and striking building, due in part to the mix of gothic and Romanesque on its exterior - that gives it an almost “castle-like” appearance. The originality continues inside with the gravity-defying central octagonal tower (the finest of its kind), the highest medieval church nave in England, intricately carved Lady Chapel and beautifully painted ceilings. *Canterbury Cathedral:* The UK’s oldest cathedral in terms of when it was founded (the year 597AD, although the present building started in 1070). It holds one of Europe’s most important collection of 12th-15th century medieval stained glass, the earliest use of gothic architecture (outside of France) on a major building, and of course famous for the murder of Thomas Becket in 1170. *Wells Cathedral:* It has one of the most beautiful cathedral facades (the west front), which contains over 300 original medieval statues. Inside there is the revolutionary mid-14th century “scissor-arches” (the first of their kind), and a substantial collection of medieval glass. It is also the first ‘100% pure’ gothic cathedral in the world (being built in the gothic style ‘from foundations’ in 1175 - therefore without a preexisting Romanesque structure). Connected to the cathedral is the oldest purely ‘residential’ street in Europe called “Vicars’ Close, Wells”; with all its original buildings still intact (the houses were built between 1348-1355). *Salisbury Cathedral:* One of the finest Early Gothic cathedrals in Europe. It was built “entirely” in the new Gothic style between 1220-1258; giving it a uniquely coherent appearance with very little subsequent alteration. It contains the best preserved (of the 4 in existence) copies of the Magna Carta (written 1215), the world’s oldest working clock (dated to 1386) and the tallest masonry spire in the world. *Winchester Cathedral:* The longest ‘medieval’ cathedral in the world, and has incredible views down the longest ‘medieval’ nave. It contains 7 intricately carved Chantry Chapels, a huge 15th century screen, well preserved 11th century Romanesque crypts (that occasionally flood with water), one of the largest collections of medieval decorated tile and very fine wall paintings from the 12th-16th century. *Peterborough Cathedral:* Known for its famous “West Front”, a very early English Gothic facade which is unrivalled in Gothic architecture for its originality. Inside there is the largest (and oldest), of the 4 remaining decorated medieval wooden cathedral ceilings (built around 1200) remaining in Europe, extremely well preserved 12th century Romanesque interiors and very fine fan vaulting within the ‘new building’ (which is a side chapel). *Gloucester Cathedral:* The cathedral cloisters are probably the most beautiful in all of Europe; with outstanding mid-14th century fan vaulting (earliest fan vaulting in existence). There is also the “Great East Window” (created 1350); one of Europe’s finest and the size of a tennis court (it was the largest window in the world at its time of construction), incredible early Perpendicular interiors (notably the gossamer thin stone supporting the choir vault) and a very large collection of early misericords (14th century). *Norwich Cathedral:* The cathedral is made of beautiful Caen stone and remains largely unaltered from its initial construction in 1096-1145 (apart from some later gothic additions). The main treasure of the cathedral would be the thousands of carved and painted medieval “bosses”, that can be found along the nave and double storey cloister ceilings - one of the greatest collections of medieval art in Europe, as well as 61 misericords (mostly dating to the 15th century). *Westminster Abbey:* (Although not officially a cathedral) it has held the coronations of many English Kings/ Queens for nearly 1000 years, it is obviously a very important building for this reason and why over 3,300 notable historical figures are buried within its walls. The Abbey contains many great examples of Gothic, from the intricately carved 13th century North Front and imposing height of the nave, to the exuberance of the latter stages; as outlined in the Henry VII chapel. Interestingly, it also contains one of the countries oldest doors (dated to 1050AD). *King’s College Chapel, Cambridge:* (Not a cathedral, but had to include this too) the second largest Chapel in the World, and a magnificent building showcasing the last stages of Gothic architecture in England; containing the largest span of (exquisite) fan vaulting in the world, the largest collection of 16th century stained glass anywhere, and even an altarpiece by Rubens.

[@AthAthanasius]

04:20 - And it continues to dominate the Salisbury skyline because local laws don't allow any other buildings to be more than 4 storeys (if I'm remembering correctly), so as to not spoil the view into the town including the cathedral. Indeed I've spotted it from a hill many miles away.

[@Rich6Brew]

I live fairly locally, and I've visited te cathedral numerous times. It's free to enter (but make sure you make a donation, folks), and not only is photography permitted inside, it's positively encouraged. They even allow the use of a tripod as long as it doesn't obstruct people's movements.

[@Cnar97]

Would love to see a video on Lincoln Cathedral, such a dominant figure in the Lincoln skyline.

[@jackimo22]

You should cover the Australian Gorgon gas plant. It is a gas plant build on a desert island 80km off the cost of Western Australia. The gas loading jetty is 2.1km long. The plant operates three 5.2MTPA gas processing trains, some of the largest in the world. The project was meant to cost $US37 billion, but ended up being $US54 billion, due to the remote nature of the project.

[@guyincognito2789]

I live in Salisbury and the cathedral never loses any of the wonder as I walk past it basically daily

[@simongleaden2864]

I was a student at Durham for three years in the 1980's. Now when I visit Durham I'm in awe of the Cathedral and realise I got a bit blase about it back then, seeing it every day and taking it for granted.

[@ihategoo8907]

I know what you mean I live in Winchester and seeing Winchester cathedral still takes the breath out of me.

[@daniloonuk]

well songs bards made to honor this monument of luck, i do not belive you want her

[@KatieReadsKoziesAndMore]

In 1990 I had the pleasure of visiting Britain. Walking in Salisbury Cathedral and also walking through the peaceful cloister was certainly one of my favorite memories of my 15-day visit. Seeing the Magna Carta was the crowning touch for that day. I’m happy to know that it holds a special meaning for the locals.

[@grassytramtracks]

Nor does it for Russian assassins

[@JH-ty3ic]

Salisbury is a city. Well researched as usual.

[@stastu6484]

"We were just visiting the spire comrade why you talk about novichok?"

[@adamwhite6530]

Hi Simon, Here is a left-field suggestion - Hulme Crescents Hulme Crescents was the largest public housing development in Europe, encompassing 3,284 deck-access homes and capacity for over 13,000 people, It was an utter disaster, a Mancunian "walled city" that failed in almost every way.... read the wiki, it is incredible how badly each element failed.

[@asingh4025]

Simon loved the video on Barcelona unfinished church … could you do one on Liverpool's two iconic cathedrals

[@billbaker3565]

A beautiful national treasure.

[@mattbrown4857]

Lincoln Cathedral started in 1072 is also very interesting. It had three spires. Two were just over 400ft and the center one was 525ft tall. This was the tallest building in the world for 238 years from 1311 onwards. Built with the help of Jewish funding/loans and a real boom and bust history. Much like lincoln itself. It also has a Magna Carta. Nice video. Thanks 👍

[@michaeldeierhoi4096]

This was a satisfying review of Salisbury Cathedral although I would have liked you to have included the role Christpher Wren played in his part of designing the supports for that massive stone spire which he was involved in about 1664. This was two years before the London fire which burned Old St Pauls to the ground. So Wren designed its replacement along with some three dozen other churches in London.

[@dudepool7530]

Gotta say, I prefer these to the weapons. Yeah, the arms are interesting, but there is something about things being constructed to last that is way more impressive.

[@Webster9214]

I feel the same wayy

[@dudepool7530]

@@Webster9214 yay, we're not all violent psychopaths! Well... Okay, I am, but even still lmao.

[@Webster9214]

@@dudepool7530 i think the weapons are cool but I love the other stuff way moree

[@Polyfusia]

Theory: Simon creates new channels so he can write off different rooms of a house he can't afford as "sets for work" on his taxes. I might try this.

[@RJM1011]

Been there many times beautiful place. :)

[@dazsmith3201]

If Salisbury Cathedral qualifies as a Megaproject. then surely Ely Cathedral also qualifies. It's a about 200 years older, took longer to complete and is now also used as a film set, as well as religious services. As you're not allowed to film in Westminster Abbey, Ely 'stands in' for coronation scenes and other locations (see Kings Speech, The Crown, The Other Boleyn Girl and others).

[@milk-it]

Beautiful overview of a wonderful cathedral. Can you also do a video on Notre-Dame de Paris?

[@TheEvilCommenter]

Good video 👍. Merry Christmas!

[@warrenbooth2103]

May be a vid about York minster it has quite a story !

[@JoeMartinMusic]

Ayyy I'm from Wells! Exciting to see it in a Simon Whistler vid :D Also for those that don't know, Hot Fuzz was filmed in Wells :)

[@Praxics0815]

How about Cologne Cathedral? Took 350 years to finish it, now that is a mega project!

[@martijndaem4074]

Idea for a Megaprojects video; the human genome project, a fascinating science project

[@walterhubicki5207]

I remember coming around the hills and seeing the spire. It is still wonder to behold. Can you do Winchester Cathedral? The saving of it by a diver was amazing and ended with knighthood. What is with the British building Cathedrals in swamps??? Monty Python quotes come to mind.....

[@smedleyhverovhe8919]

Simon, I would love to see your report on the Cologne Cathedral, a 600 year Megaproject!

[@Petriefied0246]

I'd like to see a side project for the second Coventry cathedral. I'm not religious by any stretch of the imagination, but it's beautiful and its story is very inspiring.

[@jdedwards7507]

The GRU's favourite British Cathedral.

[@jamesjross]

HAHA... I was just coming to put something similar. I live in Salisbury... NOBODY comes here to see the spire first- you come here to see Stone Henge. - The fact they never mentioned it was basically a giveaway.

[@roryfriththetraveller4982]

id love to go back to explore around salisbury a little more after the plague’s wound down a bit, my visit on the archaeology course class trip was cut short because of kidney problems lol we were the first people in the new wessex gallery in the museum opposite though, we were half an hour late because the chapter house was due to open for the day when we were meant to be going there and we wanted to see the Magna Carts fjskjfsk , our lecturers didnt even put up a fight for that and the museum guys didnt mind either because ‘they would have done the same’ 😂😂

[@henriroggeman7267]

38 for a cathedral? That's lightning fast. Usually cathedrals took centuries to build... :-D

[@veralenora7368]

The Magna Carta is considered so important to England, that "just in case" a copy was sent to the United States during WW II. Just in case? In case the Germans won.

[@Brian_rock_railfan]

Liked video 👍 Merry Christmas & a happier New year 2021 🎄⛪

[@skyden24195]

Given its importance/impact on Western society, The Magna Carter could probably be considered a "Megaproject" on its own.

[@aaron2709]

Beautifully unified design.

[@302racing3]

Another excellent video. I noticed that the only car you have covered is The Beast and if there is ever a mass production car worthy of an episode it's the Model T or VW Beetle, definitely changed the world those lot.

[@ilarious5729]

Yes the nazi bug would be interesting! 👀

[@trakfloater07]

Do a video on Oak Ridge Tennessee during the Manhattan project. A secret city built overnight and now it holds some of the fastest super computers in the world.

[@AthAthanasius]

02:25 - Er, that's the wrong 'Old Sarum' you have in the middle there. You appear to have highlighted the village/area of the city, not the hill with the remains of the old fort and church.... I used Google Maps to place one end of a "measure distance" right on the cathedral and the other right on Stonehenge, and indeed it does then pass over the hill of the Old Sarum fort.

[@--enyo--]

I really like the older Megaprojects. This one makes me want to read the Pillars of the Earth series again. 🤣

[@davidmaxwaterman]

Could you do Wells Cathedral too?

[@MadDragon-lb7qg]

Although Salisbury is in the county of Wiltshire, I live in Ringwood, 30 mins drive away on the Hampshire/Dorset Border!

[@alexledger72]

Love Mega Projects, been watching the for a good while now, however Simon as a fellow Brit you should remember location's such as Salisbury with a Cathedral are Cathedral cities, not towns.

[@glenverbelen522]

Hey Simon, some nice mega project in its time are some of the buildings build in the capital of Belgium, Brussels. The Justice Palace or the Cinquantenaire. Especially the Justice Palace Being in renovation for 40+ years, etc. Historically also something to tell already by the person who funded it, infamous Leopold 2.

[@awoman2041]

Used to get baked in the cathedral close as a teen. Fun times.

[@lucieirl]

Salisbury local here, (maybe we all say it wrong ) but it’s “sair rum’ not ‘sar um’ if that makes sense lol. Also taught me some facts about the cathedral I didn’t know, good video ((:

[@kevindauble7652]

This mega project about a cathedral made me recall the L O N G project of the Cologne Cathedral and its completion taking 600 years. It house the relics of the magi and has the largest facade than any other cathedral. A 60 year long archeological dig u see the church shows Roman buildings on the site since 50A.D. Suggest seeing if this could be a megaprojects video.

[@GazzaRX]

SUGGESTION: Hi Simon. Have you thought of a show on The Palace of Westminster? Not only the House of Parliament but also how the buildings surrounding have developed to become The Treasury, The Foreign Office, Downing Street etc and all developed into one large palace from the original much smaller Tudor Palace of Westminster (I think). Got the thought from the mention of gothic architecture here even though the HoP is a ‘fake’.

[@peterwilliams6289]

You totally should cover Cologne Cathedral, built over 800 years but true to its 1100s design. And survived 18 bombs in WW2. Also tallest building in the world for 70 years even though incomplete at the time. A viewing platform 29 floors up across the river still looks up to the top of the towers.

[@Gravy879]

Merry Christmas!!

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

A very good friend of mine the late Bishop John Wraw was Dean here . You are still in our prayers John. I know you are now with the Lord. Rest in peace.

[@critictactic7090]

I happen to be Russian. I study in England and love the gothic architecture. Salisbury cathedral is on my “to visit” list, but when I tell people about that in the UK, I invariably receive weird looks.

[@freewyvern707]

well. We may have had an assassination of an ex-Russian-spy with links to Russia in Salisbury. And someone put a Russian Flag on the Cathedral at some point. Remember that.

[@tamaracarter1836]

If you would like some other ideas for great Medieval English cathedrals, here are some of my favourites: *Lincoln Cathedral:* World’s tallest building from 1311 - 1548 (when the spire collapsed in a storm), and was the first building to hold that title since the Great Pyramid of Giza. Only one cathedral (so far) has ever managed to surpass its height - Ulm Minster in Germany. It is regarded as a gothic masterpiece and completely dominates the surrounding landscape (views of the cathedral from the nearby castle are amazing). One of the highlights inside are the exquisitely carved 14th century choir stalls. *Durham Cathedral:* One of the finest Romanesque buildings in Europe, with a stunning position overlooking the river. It is architecturally very important - containing elements that prove it to have influenced (what would later be created in France) Gothic architecture. It also sits next to a medieval castle, which contains a stunning Norman Chapel [1078-1080] with exquisite stone carving. *York Minster:* One of the largest medieval cathedrals, with the widest nave, in Europe that took almost 250 years to complete. It contains the largest expanse (in a single window) of medieval stained glass in the world, and an expansive collection of 11th-15th century stained glass elsewhere in the cathedral. *Ely Cathedral:* A unique and striking building, due in part to the mix of gothic and Romanesque on its exterior - that gives it an almost “castle-like” appearance. The originality continues inside with the gravity-defying central octagonal tower (the finest of its kind), the highest medieval church nave in England, intricately carved Lady Chapel and beautifully painted ceilings. *Canterbury Cathedral:* The UK’s oldest cathedral in terms of when it was founded (the year 597AD, although the present building started in 1070). It holds one of Europe’s most important collection of 12th-15th century medieval stained glass, the earliest use of gothic architecture (outside of France) on a major building, and of course famous for the murder of Thomas Becket in 1170. *Wells Cathedral:* It has one of the most beautiful cathedral facades (the west front), which contains over 300 original medieval statues. Inside there is the revolutionary mid-14th century “scissor-arches” (the first of their kind), and a substantial collection of medieval glass. It is also the first ‘100% pure’ gothic cathedral in the world (being built in the gothic style ‘from foundations’ in 1175 - therefore without a preexisting Romanesque structure). Connected to the cathedral is the oldest purely ‘residential’ street in Europe called “Vicars’ Close, Wells”; with all its original buildings still intact (the houses were built between 1348-1355). *Salisbury Cathedral:* One of the finest Early Gothic cathedrals in Europe. It was built “entirely” in the new Gothic style between 1220-1258; giving it a uniquely coherent appearance with very little subsequent alteration. It contains the best preserved (of the 4 in existence) copies of the Magna Carta (written 1215), the world’s oldest working clock (dated to 1386) and the tallest masonry spire in the world. *Winchester Cathedral:* The longest ‘medieval’ cathedral in the world, and has incredible views down the longest ‘medieval’ nave. It contains 7 intricately carved Chantry Chapels, a huge 15th century screen, well preserved 11th century Romanesque crypts (that occasionally flood with water), one of the largest collections of medieval decorated tile and very fine wall paintings from the 12th-16th century. *Peterborough Cathedral:* Known for its famous “West Front”, a very early English Gothic facade which is unrivalled in Gothic architecture for its originality. Inside there is the largest (and oldest), of the 4 remaining decorated medieval wooden cathedral ceilings (built around 1200) remaining in Europe, extremely well preserved 12th century Romanesque interiors and very fine fan vaulting within the ‘new building’ (which is a side chapel). *Gloucester Cathedral:* The cathedral cloisters are probably the most beautiful in all of Europe; with outstanding mid-14th century fan vaulting (earliest fan vaulting in existence). There is also the “Great East Window” (created 1350); one of Europe’s finest and the size of a tennis court (it was the largest window in the world at its time of construction), incredible early Perpendicular interiors (notably the gossamer thin stone supporting the choir vault) and a very large collection of early misericords (14th century). *Norwich Cathedral:* The cathedral is made of beautiful Caen stone and remains largely unaltered from its initial construction in 1096-1145 (apart from some later gothic additions). The main treasure of the cathedral would be the thousands of carved and painted medieval “bosses”, that can be found along the nave and double storey cloister ceilings - one of the greatest collections of medieval art in Europe, as well as 61 misericords (mostly dating to the 15th century). *Westminster Abbey:* (Although not officially a cathedral) it has held the coronations of many English Kings/ Queens for nearly 1000 years, it is obviously a very important building for this reason and why over 3,300 notable historical figures are buried within its walls. The Abbey contains many great examples of Gothic, from the intricately carved 13th century North Front and imposing height of the nave, to the exuberance of the latter stages; as outlined in the Henry VII chapel. Interestingly, it also contains one of the countries oldest doors (dated to 1050AD). *King’s College Chapel, Cambridge:* (Not a cathedral, but had to include this too) the second largest Chapel in the World, and a magnificent building showcasing the last stages of Gothic architecture in England; containing the largest span of (exquisite) fan vaulting in the world, the largest collection of 16th century stained glass anywhere, and even an altarpiece by Rubens.

[@azeller09]

Salisbury Cathedral: It took 38 years to build me Sagrada Familia: Hold my 19th century construction papers

[@tvas8551]

My thoughts exactly. Someone must have forgotten that information when he talked about it last month.

[@jacobmeyke4062]

You should do one on the Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC

[@steby123]

I had a mega great ancestor who was an Associate dean at Salisbury in 1420.

[@Rajalord27]

Perfect !

[@Rajalord27]

It is God but there's aliens