Salisbury Cathedral

United Kingdom · Religious Institutions

Visible from miles around, Salisbury Cathedral sits within an 80-acre walled close (the largest in Britain) and is one of the finest examples of Early English Gothic architecture in the country. With daily services and an active congregation, the Cathedral is a living church at the heart of a large and dynamic diocese. The Cathedral is proud of its 800 year choral tradition and holds regular concerts to showcase the choirs' talents. This medieval building is also a popular heritage attraction for hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. It has Britain's tallest spire (404ft), largest cloisters and the world's oldest working mechanical clock, dating back to 1386. It is also home to the finest surviving copy of the 1215 Magna Carta, one of only four remaining in the world, protected by UNESCO. The Cathedral has an on-site restaurant open all year round and Tea Rooms which open seasonally. The gift shop sells a wide range of gifts and souvenirs. Over 600  volunteers generously give up their time and energy to help the Cathedral in various ways from dusting ancient tombs to leading public tower tours. Led by the Dean, there are three clergy, a Canon Precentor, Canon Chancellor and Canon Treasurer who form part of a leadership team called Chapter. They are supported by the Executive team, which is led by the Executive Director and Chapter Clerk who, together with four Directors, has responsibility for each functional area: •Liturgy and Music •Communications and Development •Buildings and Estate •Education and Outreach and •Finance. Between them they lead approximately 90 people in 15 teams and 5 locations across the site. The Cathedral has its own Works department featuring stonemasons, glaziers, and an ecclesiastical carpenter and plumber who are all currently engaged in the repair and restoration of its badly damaged east face. The work on this area is estimated to be completed in 2021 with £600,000 needed for this essential work.