Churches and Abbeys
In any Wiltshire village, the oldest building you are likely to find is the parish church. In towns across the county, much of our finest architecture is ecclesiastical in origin or influence. The durability of these buildings is a testament to the power and wealth of the Church. Not only buildings but many aspects of the landscape, such as settlements and their boundaries, land use and communications, have all been influenced by religion.
The largest and most important religious building in Wiltshire is Salisbury Cathedral. The original Norman cathedral, completed in 1092, was at the now abandoned city of Old Sarum. The site proved too cramped and short of water, so a move downhill to beside the river was decided. Today’s beautifully proportioned cathedral, a glorious achievement of the Early English style, was built in the 13th century. The spire, added in the 14th century, is the tallest in England. Many would say that the entire cathedral is the finest in England.
The largest and most important religious building in Wiltshire is Salisbury Cathedral. The original Norman cathedral, completed in 1092, was at the now abandoned city of Old Sarum. The site proved too cramped and short of water, so a move downhill to beside the river was decided. Today’s beautifully proportioned cathedral, a glorious achievement of the Early English style, was built in the 13th century. The spire, added in the 14th century, is the tallest in England. Many would say that the entire cathedral is the finest in England.

Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral font

Salisbury Cathedral from Old Sarum

Lacock Abbey at dawn

Lacock Abbey at night

Lacock Abbey Cloisters

Lacock Abbey in mist

Lacock Abbey in snow

Winterbourne Bassett Church

Winterbourne Bassett church

Salisbury Cathedral

St Mary the Virgin Church, Bishops Cannings

Bishops Cannings Church

Wilton Church

Wilton Church

Malmesbury Abbey

Malmesbury Abbey

Steeple Ashton Church

St Lawrence's Church, Bradford-on-Avon

Tithe Barn, Bradford on Avon

Tithe Barn, Bradford on Avon

Bremilham Church

Bowden Hill Church

Village church by moonlight

Bishops Cannings Church

Snowdrops at sunrise

Bishops Cannings Church
