Salisbury is often described as ‘the city in the countryside’. Home to a stunning early English Gothic cathedral containing the world’s oldest working clock, the tallest spire in Britain and one of four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta, it is easy to see why this popular Wiltshire destination was recently declared one of the top ten cities to visit in the world by a leading guidebook publisher. Originally known as New Sarum, the medieval city we know today was established in 1220 following the momentous move from Old Sarum – the bishops and burgesses decided to come down from the hilltop and found a new city in the water meadows. Follow authors Carol Dixon-Smith and Catherine Essenhigh as they take a fascinating look at how Salisbury’s streets, buildings and enterprises have changed over the years, highlighting the importance of these changes to its citizens.

Born in Belfast, and brought up in a community steeped in history, it isn’t surprising that a childhood interest became a lifelong passion. Carol Dixon-Smith taught history at secondary level before going on to research the subject for academic purposes. She has been a full-time Bookseller and Events Manager for many years, is the founder and Director of the Thames Valley History Festival, and is an active member of the Windsor Local History Group as well as Editor of their journal 'Windlesora'. Catherine has a BA in History and Archaeology, an MA in Local History, enjoying focusing on the development of towns and cities and the social and economic effects on people, their occupations and social mobility. She has also conducted wide-ranging research in Family History. Having been employed in both curatorial and education roles in museums, Catherine has given many talks over the years on topics related to her work and research.