Jeel Scholarship Fund
Building a Better Future
Salisbury Cathedral
Each day we go to leave a Cathedral we think that was so wonderful and uplifting. It will not be the same at the next one – but it is. It is so tricky to put into words or describe to you, dear readers, why this pilgrimage is transforming. I digress.
We arrived at Salisbury in glorious sunshine full of spring joy and Lent hope.
By1258, the nave, choir and transept were completed and consecrated. The west front was finished circa 1265, so the building is largely early English style making it a rarity. The tallest spire, 123 m, in England was added between 1285 and 1310 with support of strategic buttresses. Cloisters were erected, the first in a secular establishment, between 1240 and 1270.
In the grounds is a bronze statue, Walking Madona by Dame Elizabeth Frink that flows.
Also, a pretty Easter Garden with delicate spring flowers in full bloom. Entering the main doors, one is drawn to the unusual font, which is metal on a stone stand, with stretched out corners from all of which water flows. The dogs were especially intrigued and our welcomer told us that visiting dogs usually drank from the jets of water as they fall to the drains on the floor.
St. Osmund, second bishop of Salisbury, completed the building of the first Cathedral in 1092. On completion of the present Cathedral his remains were brought from Old Sacrum and interred there in the Trinity Chapel. He was made a saint in 1457.
William Longespee, Earl of Salisbury, served under three kings and was the first person to be buried in the new Cathedral. Together with his wife Ela, a wealthy noblewoman they laid two foundation stones in 1220. William served as adviser his half brother King John and his name appears on the 1215 Magna Carta. Salisbury Cathedral houses in the Chapter House, an exhibition featuring one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta. The Chapter House is leading off the cloisters.
There are several plaques to commemorate notable local worthies including Edward Heath former prime minister. A remarkable striking window installed in 1980, The Prisoners of Conscience, was designed by Gabriel Loire in Impressionist style with thirteenth century style.
Salisbury is a Gold A Rocha Church and Toilet Twinned. Their A Rocha plaques are on display in the splendid modern ergonomic toilet block with glowing thick wooden doors and smart fittings. They were a gift of the Friends of Salisbury Cathedral and opened in 2013– one suspects they were expensive.
The modern light with a glass roof extension with refectory and shop were bustling offering plenty of goodies to tempt visitors. We had tea with Dean Nicholas. Dean Nicholas was off to Jerusalem and West bank after Easter and was most interested in the Jeel Scholarship Fund.
