Attraction in Salisbury
Old Sarum Castle - English Heritage
Castle Road
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP1 3SD
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High above Salisbury Plain stands Old Sarum, the site of the ancient city of Salisbury. In the Iron Age a massive hillfort was created here, named Sorviadum by the Celts, meaning 'the fortress by the gentle river'. This was later occupied by the Romans, several Roman roads converge on the site. In Saxon times a town grew up within the prehistoric ramparts, which defended the local people against attack from marauding Vikings.
After the Norman conquest in 1066, William the Conqueror was a frequent visitor and part of the famous Domesday book was written here. Old Sarum grew into one of the most flourishing settlements in early Medieval England, until the bishop moved his cathedral to the town of (New) Salisbury in 1219.
People continued to live at Sarum until the 16th century. In the nineteenth century it was one of the most notorious 'rotten boroughs' in the land as a succession of rich and powerful men purchased the land so that they could sit in parliament at the MP for Old Sarum.
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Details
Months Open: Apr - Oct daily 10am - 5pm
Nov - Mar daily 10am - 4pm
Groups/Parties Welcome: Yes
Discount for Groups: Yes
Car Parking: Yes
Admission Price: Adult: £3.50
Concession: £3
Child: £1.80
English Heritage member FREE
Gift Shop: Yes
Catering: Refreshments
More Attractions nearby
Mompesson House
Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum
Salisbury Library and Galleries
Discover Salisbury
Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Reg Museum
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