Kearsley's Traveller's Entertaining Guide Through Great Britain (1801):
Salisbury is a large and ancient city, and bishop's see. It is seated on a chalky soil and is almost surrounded by the Avon, and its contributory rivers. It has a fine cathedral, crowned by a spire, the loftiest in the kingdom. It possesses a manufctory of flannels and lindseys, of hardware and cutlery. Its cathedral was begun in 1219 by bishop Poor, who sent for architects from abroad. It was consecrated in the presense of king Henry III. It is esteemed one of the most beautiful structures in the kingdom. On Salisbury plain, besides the famous monument of Stonehenge, there are traces of many old Roman and British camps, an other remains of battles, fortifications, and sepulchres, of the ancient inhabitants of England. Three miles on the r. is Wilton, earl of Pembroke. On the l. on the banks of the Avon is Longford castle, earl of Radnor.
Inns: White Hart, Antelope, King's Arms, Red Lion
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