Salisbury 2020: City on the Move

Plans for Salisbury 2020: City on the move, a year-long programme of events and activities marking the 800th anniversary of the laying of Salisbury Cathedral’s first foundation stone and the development of Salisbury, have been announced.

The story behind the anniversary begins in the early 1220s when Bishop Richard Poore, the medieval bishop of Salisbury, moved the cathedral and its community from Old Sarum to its present site.

Driven by the need to access fresh water, and desperate to escape bad weather, royal supervision and regular harassment by soldiers stationed at Old Sarum Castle, his actions changed the community and landscape of South Wiltshire forever.

By April 1220 the foundation stones for what was to become an iconic national landmark were laid and expansion of the city we know and love begun.

The anniversary programme is themed around movement with three ‘pillars’ or key areas of activity:

• Events that offer opportunities to take part in physical activities, echoing the strength and endeavour required to build a new cathedral
• Technology activities and events that celebrate the ingenuity of our forebears and offer ways to discover the latest in technology and science
• Activities and events that explore developments in thought and ideas across the last eight centuries

Anyone wishing to receive information about how to get involved with Salisbury 2020 can sign up via the Cathedral website.