Medieval Stones from Ancient Site Uncovered in Cathedral Walls

Decorative stones originating from the medieval ruins of Old Sarum, now designated as a heritage site situated on Salisbury’s outskirts, have been uncovered within a wall of the city’s present-day cathedral. The discovery took place during repair work conducted by the cathedral’s works department. The stones were notably well-preserved, attributed to their decorative elements being oriented inwards, thereby shielding them from environmental damage. It is believed that this material was repurposed from Old Sarum when the cathedral underwent reconstruction in 1220. Lee Andrews, Salisbury’s head mason, commented on the find, stating: “It’s exciting when you uncover a carved stone that was once from the original Old Sarum Cathedral, seeing the tool marks and moulding being so well preserved in the mortar and all that craftsmanship has been hidden away for 800 years.” He intends to arrange for a protective shelter to be constructed for their exhibition within the works department. The practice of salvaging stone from earlier constructions is a widespread historical phenomenon, observable in numerous other historic structures. Salisbury Cathedral was established at its present site in 1220, with its construction extending over several decades to reach its current form. The decision to relocate from the Old Sarum site stemmed from dissatisfaction, including issues such as an insufficient water supply and disputes with individuals associated with the castle located there. According to local folklore, the cathedral’s current location was purportedly selected by an archer’s arrow, with the construction site designated wherever it landed. However, given the approximate two-mile distance from Old Sarum, this account is widely considered a legendary narrative. For updates, follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Further information regarding our external linking policy is available.