| Summary : The cathedral close is situated in the southern part of Salisbury and was founded from 1221. It is bounded by the River Avon to the west and south and by the Close Ditch on the north and east and covers an area of 83 acres. The Close was walled in 1327 and encloses the Cathedral and the Bishops Palace and canonries. The latter are arranged mainly to the north, northeast and west of the cathedral. Dramatic changes to the Close took place after the Reformation when the number of Canonries was reduced to seven. The remainder were leased as private houses, mainly to the gentry. Tradesmen settled in shops at the North Gate and around the bell tower. Further developments took place in the 17th century when private schools were located in the Close. The earliest was documented from 1629. During the early 18th century the Close became the home to an increasing number of the local gentry, this was reflected in a period of rebuilding and building of houses. Many of the clergy houses were also rebuilt during this period. Later the close was landscaped between 1789-92 when parts were levelled and lawns created to set off the north and west views of the cathedral. The Close experienced many changes during the 19th century, the most notable being the passing of the Cathedrals Act of 1840. This resulted in the closure of many of the remaining canonries. Several diocesan institutions were established, including the Training College for Schoolmistresses in 1841 and the Theological College in 1860. The Bishop Wordsworth School was established to the north of the Bishops Palace in 1890. In the mid-late 20th century many of the houses were restored, several now in use as museums. |