Old Sarum
Old Sarum features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Stonehenge. Give it roughly ~60 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type ruins
- Suggested visit ~60 min
- Stonehenge Stonehenge guide
About Old Sarum
The original site of Salisbury, an Iron Age hillfort that became a Norman castle and medieval cathedral before being abandoned.
Old Sarum is the site of the earliest settlement of Salisbury in England. Originally an Iron Age hillfort, it was used by the Romans, Saxons, and Normans. William the Conqueror built a castle here, and a grand cathedral was constructed in the 11th century. By 1220, disputes over water and space led the clergy to move the cathedral to its present site in New Sarum (modern Salisbury), and Old Sarum was gradually abandoned.
Did you know? Old Sarum was one of the most notorious "rotten boroughs" in British history, by the 19th century it had virtually no inhabitants but still elected two Members of Parliament.
How long is a visit to Old Sarum?
Set aside roughly ~60 min for Old Sarum. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Old Sarum worth your time?
Old Sarum is among the 5 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Stonehenge, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Stonehenge
Hear the story of Old Sarum
Preview the Stonehenge tour free in the Gingerguide app.