St Thomas's Church Salisbury

Overshadowed sadly by the famous Salisbury Cathedral, is this gorgeous medieval church - St Thomas's. Though 'small' in comparison to the enormous Cathedral, St Thomas's parish is extensive and the church itself is large - in fact when we went on Easter morning , it easily held 300 people.

Its particularly beautiful and noted for its rare medieval paintings and wooden vaulted ceilings. The Doom Painting above the main arch is a  feature which is the main drawcard for  visitors.

 It is believed to be the largest such painting in England and was painted in 1475 as a thank-offering for a safely returned pilgrim. The painting was white-washed over in 1593 ( the reformation period) and was re-discovered in 1819 but not restored until over a hundred years later.. However, we do have to be thankful to the reformation for whitewashing it - because its kept it so beautifully.

I loved the detail - particularly the bishop, queen and king ,all chined to each other and being dragged into the jaws of hell.  Says alot for the thoughts of corruption in the upper classes at the time ( not much it seems has changed!)

Salisbury Cathedral

I've been to Salisbury Cathedral a number of times and love to return to wander its huge hallways, soaking in the peace and the calm presence found within its walls.

For those who haven't visited or know much about it, Salisbury Cathedral has Englands highest spire. Whilst the foundations were laid in early 12th century, like many other cathedrals and churches, it has undergone massive changes as the political and social landscape has altered.

It remains, throughout its history, a place of reflection and learning and a powerful seat within the church structure in the UK.

One of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta is housed in the main chapel. By this I mean the original copies drawn up in 1215. The 800th year of its proclamation is next year in June - so its a bit exciting and overwhelming to think of something so important in arms length ( or maybe its just me?)

Just one of the many wonderful things about this place is that the statue which surround the doorways are still being added to; so its not just stuffy old dead guys from hundreds of years ago - but people (men normally) who hold great meaning in the Christian faith who are honoured. One such statue is of a Sudanese Priest who was matryed only a few years ago.. His name, I believe was Canon Ezra.  The poet , George Herbert is also honoured thrre.

This is Lilly holding the hand of one of the statues out the front - the Walking Madonna.

Another wonderful thing about the Cathedral is that it isn't afraid of hosting art installations which may be a bit left field. 

The latest one is called Sanctuary - by a sculptor called John Maine. There are a myriad of stones around the grounds and within the cloister. His idea was to question what the word Sanctuary meant and to express is in a physical sense.

From Twisted sandstone, to shaped marble and smoothed granite, I'm not sure what its actually saying, but it adds a different element to the grounds, bringing a modern perspective into the very perpendicular lines of the Cathedral. 

Easter Prep

Twas the night before Easter.....

We are at Sallys.. A dear friend in Salisbury for Easter. Here we have Morgan and Lilly making Easter Baskets in order to collect Easter Goodies in the morning. 

They both took the instructions very seriously and worked hard on getting everything perfectly aligned. 

Sally leant her considerable experience as well.

Finished products ready for the bunny to fill.