Introduction to the Close
Salisbury cathedral, a cathedral of the old foundation, has been served by priests living a secular life and not by any monastic order. When the cathedral, the Close and the city were planned the canons were each allocated an acre and a half of ground within the Liberty of the Close on which to build their houses. Whilst all members of the Chapter are equal there were a number who were considered more equal than others. These were the "personae"; the Dean, Precentor, Chancellor, Treasurer and the Archdeacons, who were each granted a double allocation of three acres. For this reason one finds the larger houses on the West Walk of the close backing on to the River Avon. Originally the houses were occupied by canons of the cathedral , chantry priests , vicars and lay persons connected with the cathedral. Today only five members of Chapter are resident in the Close and the other properties are mainly held on lease from the Dean and Chapter by private residents.
John Bushell
The Salisbury Cathedral Close
Preservation Society
Rus in Urbe
A registered charity with members from around the world which works to preserve and enhance the environment of "The Close".
Chairman: Sir Robin Ibbs KBE
Secretary: Mrs Alison Pinkerton OBE
Salisbury Cathedral Close is a precious inheritance, renowned throughout the world. Here, within a sweep of the River Avon and bounded on the other three sides by the ancient Close walls of Chilmark stone, is a haven of peace that contrasts with the bustle of the City just to the north. The Close provides a stunning setting for the great 13th century Salisbury Cathedral. Its special character, celebrated by John Constable in several famous pictures, derives especially from the contrast between the ‘more urban’ north section, where many of the elegant Georgian exteriors conceal housing constructed in earlier centuries, and the ‘more rural’ southern end where there are cottages flanked by trees, hedges and greenswards – a place in which to admire nature and take a quiet stroll and where, beyond the Close proper towards the river, sheep graze, geese and ducks wander, and wildlife thrives.
This unique environment is maintained to a high standard by the Dean & Chapter. Since its foundation in 1991 the Salisbury Cathedral Close Preservation Society has worked to ensure that the character and atmosphere of the Close are sustained and enhanced. Money is raised in a variety of ways to contribute to projects for protecting and improving The Close and the Society participates in debates and schemes for its future management.
Membership is open to all for an annual subscription of £3 for individuals and £5 for households.
For further information, please contact:
The Secretary at alisonsp@doctors.org.uk or by mail to:
The Secretary
The Salisbury Cathedral Close Preservation Society
1 de Vaux Place
Salisbury
SP1 2SJ