Heritage Open Day Celebrated at Sarum College

Sarum College's doors were open to the public on 11 and 12 September as part of Heritage Open Days, a national event co-ordinated by the Civic Trust and supported by English Heritage.

Among the activities, were guided tours featuring the the anecdotal and factual history of the buildings and students from the 19th century to the present day, an exhibition of antiquarian books and a library quiz.

The Sarum College Library showcased some of its antiquarian books – a rare chance to see examples of fine binding, engravings and books from a bygone age. Among the books on display were the library’s oldest book – a Bible of 1545, in tiny Latin print and a small edition of Erasmus’s Institutio Principis Christiani (Education of a Christian Prince). Written for the young prince Charles of Spain, later Charles V, Erasmus states that the role of the prince as a servant of his people. “He acquires most who requires nothing, but commands respect.”

There was also an edition of The Confessions of St Augustine from 1638 as well as a selection of books on Salisbury Cathedral and Wiltshire.

Sarum College occupies a Grade 1 listed building that includes the original 1677 house attributed to Wren. Established as a theological college in 1860, the architect William Butterfield was commissioned to build accommodation in 1877 and a chapel and library in 1881. Substantial additions were added between the 1930s and the 1970s.

Sarum College was founded as an ecumenical institution in 1995. Considerable restoration and alteration has been carried out by the College architect Keith Harnden. In 2006, the new link building joining the 1677 and 1877 buildings and incorporating lift access won the 2006 Salisbury Civic Society’s Conservation award.

This was the second year Sarum College participated in this annual celebration of architecture, history and culture, which spans fifty counties from Kent to Cumbria.

Heritage Open Days celebrates England's fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors, ranging from castles to factories, town halls to tithe barns, parish churches to Buddhist temples. It is a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture.

Sarum College is located in Central Salisbury, opposite Bishop’s Walk on the north side of Cathedral Close, and a 10 min walk from train and bus stations and the Park & Ride bus stop. View travel directions.

For more information telephone 01722 424800.