Arundells, Salisbury (must see)
Originally built around 1291 as a canonry, this historic house comes with a splash of medieval intrigue鈥攊ts last canon, Leonard Bilson, found himself behind bars in 1562, accused of dabbling in magic and sorcery. Since then, the building has been repeatedly reimagined, each century adding another twist to its story.
The current Georgian facade is the handiwork of John Wyndham, who called it home from 1718 to 1750. The house gained its 鈥淎rundells鈥� name when James Arundell, son of Lord Arundell, moved in from 1752 to 1803. By the 19th century, it became a school, later serving as a library and wool depot during World War II. After the war, it fell into disrepair until a 1964 restoration brought it back to life.
The most notable resident, however, was Sir Edward Heath, who bought Arundells in 1985. The former British Prime Minister ( from 1970鈥�1974) lived here until his death, turning it into a vibrant social hub. Hosting esteemed guests and grand parties, he filled the house with his favorite things: an impressive art collection featuring political cartoons, paintings by Winston Churchill, and works by Augustus John, LS Lowry, and John Singer-Sargent. A Steinway grand piano and Lloyd George鈥檚 writing desk add gravitas, but the quirky touches鈥攍ike the 鈥渢eapot鈥� chair for enjoying music鈥攔eveal his personal side.
Today, Arundells is preserved much as it was during Sir Edward鈥檚 lifetime. With beautifully landscaped gardens that sweep down to the River Avon, it鈥檚 a delightful glimpse into a storied past filled with music, sailing, politics, and more than a few colorful characters.
The current Georgian facade is the handiwork of John Wyndham, who called it home from 1718 to 1750. The house gained its 鈥淎rundells鈥� name when James Arundell, son of Lord Arundell, moved in from 1752 to 1803. By the 19th century, it became a school, later serving as a library and wool depot during World War II. After the war, it fell into disrepair until a 1964 restoration brought it back to life.
The most notable resident, however, was Sir Edward Heath, who bought Arundells in 1985. The former British Prime Minister ( from 1970鈥�1974) lived here until his death, turning it into a vibrant social hub. Hosting esteemed guests and grand parties, he filled the house with his favorite things: an impressive art collection featuring political cartoons, paintings by Winston Churchill, and works by Augustus John, LS Lowry, and John Singer-Sargent. A Steinway grand piano and Lloyd George鈥檚 writing desk add gravitas, but the quirky touches鈥攍ike the 鈥渢eapot鈥� chair for enjoying music鈥攔eveal his personal side.
Today, Arundells is preserved much as it was during Sir Edward鈥檚 lifetime. With beautifully landscaped gardens that sweep down to the River Avon, it鈥檚 a delightful glimpse into a storied past filled with music, sailing, politics, and more than a few colorful characters.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Salisbury. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Arundells on Map
Sight Name: Arundells
Sight Location: Salisbury, England (See walking tours in Salisbury)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Salisbury, England (See walking tours in Salisbury)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Salisbury, England
Create Your Own Walk in Salisbury
Creating your own self-guided walk in Salisbury is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Cathedral Close Tour
Salisbury Cathedral, apart from being renowned as the holder of Britain鈥檚 tallest spire, the world鈥檚 best preserved original copy of Magna Carta (1215) and Europe鈥檚 oldest working clock, is also famous for its Close, the largest in the country, measuring 80 acres (or 32 hectares).
The areas surrounding cathedrals' grounds, sometimes extending for hundreds of meters from the main... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
The areas surrounding cathedrals' grounds, sometimes extending for hundreds of meters from the main... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Historical Houses Tour
Founded more than 800 years ago, Salisbury understandably has a great number of historical, architectural, and cultural gems worthy of a visit. The medieval houses, churches, inns, and hospitals blend harmoniously with the modern sites of the city.
Your exploration of these treasures can be started at Trinity Hospital, a picturesque almshouse founded in the 14th century, offering a glimpse... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Your exploration of these treasures can be started at Trinity Hospital, a picturesque almshouse founded in the 14th century, offering a glimpse... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Salisbury Introduction Walking Tour
Salisbury鈥檚 roots lie in Old Sarum, an Iron Age hillfort located about two miles from today鈥檚 city center. The Romans and Saxons each left their mark on this ancient settlement, which became a significant town by the 11th century. After the Norman Conquest in 1066, Old Sarum grew into a fortress town, hosting a castle and becoming the seat of the Salisbury Bishopric in 1075. Yet the site鈥檚... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles