Old Sarum, situated near Salisbury in Wiltshire, England, is one of Britain’s most historically rich and multifaceted sites. Its story stretches back to the Iron Age and continues through the Roman, Saxon, and medieval periods, showcasing the site’s evolving significance over millennia. Today, the remains of its Iron Age hill fort, medieval cathedral, and Norman castle offer a glimpse into the layered history of settlement and fortification in Britain, making Old Sarum a monument of strategic importance and architectural innovation.
The history of Old Sarum begins in the Iron Age, around 400 BCE, when the site was first fortified. The location of Old Sarum atop a prominent chalk hill made it an ideal place for defense, with its commanding views over the surrounding landscape. Its early inhabitants constructed large earthen ramparts and ditches, transforming the hilltop into one of the largest and most formidable hill forts in the region. The proximity to the River Avon and fertile lands also contributed to the settlement’s prosperity, allowing the community to engage in farming, trade, and craft production. For centuries, Old Sarum thrived as a regional center for the local population.
In the 1st century CE, the Romans invaded Britain and quickly recognized the strategic value of Old Sarum’s hill fort. They established a military outpost there, incorporating the existing Iron Age defenses into their operations. Old Sarum became part of the Roman network of forts and roads, serving as a crucial link between Roman towns like Silchester and Winchester. Although the Roman presence at Old Sarum did not lead to extensive urbanization, archaeological evidence of Roman artifacts, including coins and pottery, confirms its role as an administrative and military center. The Roman outpost provided a foundation for the site’s continuing significance in post-Roman Britain.
As the Roman Empire waned and Saxon rule emerged, Old Sarum’s importance did not diminish. In the early medieval period, the site became a focal point for religious and political activity within the Kingdom of Wessex. It was during this era that Old Sarum’s role in the Christianization of the region became particularly significant. The establishment of a bishopric there linked the site to the broader ecclesiastical hierarchy of Saxon England, elevating its religious status.
Following the Norman Conquest in 1066, Old Sarum entered a new phase of development. William the Conqueror recognized its continued strategic importance and ordered the construction of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle. This transformation solidified Old Sarum as a vital military stronghold in southern England, symbolizing Norman dominance. The castle, perched at the heart of the old hill fort, dominated the surrounding landscape, ensuring the Normans could control the local population and defend against potential uprisings. William’s interest in Old Sarum extended beyond its military value, as the site also became a center for administrative governance in the region.
In the 12th century, Old Sarum underwent another significant transformation with the construction of a grand medieval cathedral. This cathedral, located within the outer bailey of the castle, was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and became the seat of the bishop of Salisbury. The combination of ecclesiastical and military structures at Old Sarum made it unique, but it also led to tensions. The close proximity of the clergy and the military garrison created friction, as the clergy felt constrained by the site’s fortifications. Despite these tensions, the cathedral was a remarkable achievement, representing the growing influence of the Church during the medieval period.
However, by the early 13th century, Old Sarum’s location on an exposed hilltop proved increasingly impractical for daily life. Its steep slopes, limited water supply, and the ongoing conflicts between the religious and military communities made it less desirable as a place to live and work. In 1220, Bishop Richard Poore decided to move the cathedral and the ecclesiastical community to a new location near the River Avon, resulting in the foundation of New Salisbury (modern Salisbury). This relocation marked the decline of Old Sarum, as the new site offered easier access to water, flat land for expansion, and a more hospitable environment for both the Church and the laity.
Despite its decline, Old Sarum did not fade from history. In the centuries that followed, it remained a symbol of Britain’s past, with its hill fort and castle standing as reminders of its former grandeur. The site became an object of fascination for antiquarians and archaeologists from the 19th century onward, leading to numerous excavations. These excavations uncovered layers of history, from Roman artifacts to Saxon structures and the remains of the medieval cathedral. The findings from these digs have provided crucial insights into the development of settlement and fortification at Old Sarum.
Today, Old Sarum is managed by English Heritage and continues to attract visitors interested in Britain’s rich history. Visitors can explore the remnants of the Norman castle, walk along the ancient Iron Age earthworks, and view the foundations of the medieval cathedral. The site offers panoramic views of the surrounding Wiltshire countryside, providing a tangible connection to the land and its historical significance. As a place of continuous occupation and adaptation for more than 1,500 years, Old Sarum serves as a microcosm of the broader trends in British history, from prehistory to the medieval period.
The legacy of Old Sarum is one of transformation and continuity. From its origins as an Iron Age hill fort to its role as a Roman military outpost, a Saxon religious center, and a Norman stronghold, the site encapsulates the evolution of British society. Its strategic location, religious importance, and architectural achievements highlight the diverse ways in which power, faith, and society have intersected across the centuries. Old Sarum remains not only an archaeological treasure but also a symbol of Britain’s enduring and complex history.
References
English Heritage: Old Sarum
Aston, Michael. Archaeology of the British Isles: With a Gazetteer of Sites in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. London: Routledge, 2007.
Baker, John. The Landscape of the Salisbury Plain: From Prehistory to the Present Day. Cambridge University Press, 2012.
Historic England: Old Sarum Hill Fort
