The Cathedral was built between 1220-1258 from locally sourced Purbeck marble and Chilmark stone. The Gothic design is typified by tall, sharply pointed lancet windows. The stunning West Front façade is decorated by rows of symbolic figures and saints in niches.

The largest cathedral cloisters in the country lead to the octagonal CHAPTER HOUSE, with a beautiful vaulted ceiling fanning out above walls. The room displays a rare copy of the original MAGNA CARTA, the best-preserved of only four surviving from 1215. What is MAGNA CARTA?  The powerful English barons in order to protect themselves and the Church from arbitrary taxation, compelled King John to sign a “great charter” in 1215. This laid down the foundations for an independent legal system and granted certain rights. It contains over 60 clauses, including the right to a fair trial. It was written bin Latin by a scribe on parchment. To this day it remains a symbol of justice, fairness, and the importance of human rights. 

However there are 2 main highlights of the Cathedral as well:

• The world’s oldest working mechanical clock, dating 1386.
• Octagonal spire with a height 123, which was a tremendous technical feat for its medieval builders.

Take a 100-minute tour of the tower and climb 332 steps to the base of  the spire where there are panoramic vies of the city and the surrounding countryside.