Old Sarum Castle
Situated in the heart of Wiltshire, Old Sarum has stood tall through time, shining the county with its rich history. With a captivating past, the site offers a glimpse into eras that have left lasting marks on the landscape.
From 400 BC, local inhabitants embarked upon the construction of Old Sarum. The site evolved from being a protective hill fort, once named Sorviodunum, to a bustling hub of early hunters and farming communities. Archaeological evidence suggests that the hill fort played a significant role in the region’s history, highlighted by its proximity to England’s largest stone circles, Stonehenge and Avebury. Situated are similar hillforts in the area, possibly built in the same period, which includes Figsbury Ring and Vespasian’s Camp.
During the Roman era, Old Sarum found itself dominated by the Atrebates, a Gaulish exiled government in Britain. The site’s importance continued through the centuries, shifting under Saxon rule. Responding to Viking invasions, King Alfred fortified Old Sarum, reviving its strategic significance.
Prominent figures such as Egbert of Wessex and King Edgar were hosted on the fort’s grounds. With time, the Normans left an impressive mark on Old Sarum, a legacy symbolized by William the Conqueror’s construction of the castle. The grounds evolved under Bishop Roger’s care, building a palace with a central courtyard.
By the 13th century, Old Sarum’s circumstances underwent a change. The population had dwindled, immigrating from the fort to New Sarum (Salisbury), leaving it abandoned. Despite efforts to renovate the once-majestic buildings, it was still left in ruins and demolished by King Edward III in 1322.
Although it is a modest relic, it is recognised as an important British monument. It has become one of the 26 locations in England to be scheduled by the 1882 Ancient Monuments Protection Act, which is the first of its kind British legislation. Now, Old Sarum is preserved by English Heritage, allowing visitors to soak in its rich past.
Posted on Atlas Obscura: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/old-sarum-castle-england
