Old Sarum Castle was named one of the best in the UK by The Telegraph
Old Sarum Castle, nestled just a few miles above Salisbury city, has been named one of the UK's finest castles by The Telegraph — and it is not hard to understand why.The ancient site has more than 5,000 years of history, having been an Iron Age hillfort and then subsequently a Roman settlement, a Norman fortress following the conquest of 1066. William the Conqueror commissioned the building of the castle in 1069, and consequently, it is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, Norman motte-and-bailey castles in the nation.It was not only a military fort. The first Salisbury Cathedral was constructed here in 1075, and the location even witnessed the Oath of Sarum in 1086 when nobles pledged fealty to William, the turning point in English history.Today, English Heritage looks after Old Sarum, and it provides a combination of atmospheric remains and distant views across the landscape. You can still walk around the deep earthworks, climb to the castle mound top, and follow the trace where the old cathedral stood.It's popular with history enthusiasts, dog walkers, and anyone looking for a bit of calm with a view. Because it doesn't have the towers and turrets of other castles, where it is short on walls, it is long on stories — and national recognition.If you are considering a visit, check English Heritage for dates and tickets. Just don't forget your walking boots at home — and maybe a coat. It's windy at the summit.
Sources News: https://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/25164737.old-sarum-castle-named-one-best-uk-telegraph
