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Salisbury - St Thomas Church Doom Painting refurb

I saw this on FB yesterday and thought I would post information on it in case anyone is heading to Salisbury next year. I can't find the interview with the Rector at St Thomas on the "news" program's website so I am reluctantly giving a link to it thru FB. I saw it on the Cathedral View Bed and Breakfast FB site.

www.facebook.com/cathedralviewBB

The Doom Painting is the biggest and most complete Doom Painting in Britain and is over 500 years old. St Thomas Church, as I understood it from a guide, was built so the construction crews at Salisbury cathedral would have a place to worship. (Ordinary people were not allowed to worship in the Cathedral). This particular church is a little difficult to find - it is hidden and I only saw it the first time because I was on a walking tour of Salisbury from the TI office. It is well worth popping in to see! As I sat there in a pew I tried to imagine what impact this painting would have on a person who was not literate but was much more skilled at "reading" pictures and statues than we are now. How would it have appeared in the flickering candlelight? It would have definitely scared me in to being a good person, lol!

Posted by
3719 posts

Thanks Pam! St Thomas Church and the Doom Painting are now on our must see list for our next visit to Salisbury. We have Salisbury on our itinerary every time we go to England. One of our favorite places.

Posted by
847 posts

I'm considering a day trip to Salisbury from London in March so this is good info so thanks for posting it. How long do you advise to spend in Salisbury. I was considering combining it with Winchester, do you think there is time for both in one day if I don't mind a rather long day?

Posted by
3719 posts

Isabel, you will get more answers to your question if you remove it from here, and post it as a separate thread.

Posted by
13809 posts

Isabel, I also think you might get more opinions if you start a separate question but my opinion is that is too much for one day.

I actually like to spend several nights in Salisbury for a couple of full days. I completely realize many don’t have that much time to spend.

Being able to stay to hear Evensong at the Cathedral is wonderful as well. This is one of my favorite venues for Evensong. I’ve also been able to go to an organ recital there and it was awesome too!!

Posted by
11247 posts

Thanks, Pam! We too “discovered” this church thanks to the TI Walking Tour. A most worthwhile tour and should be a priority for every visitor.