An Evaluation on the Historical Changes and Restoration of Salisbury Cathedral
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64293/mentor.v1i3.33Keywords:
Salisbury, Salisbury Cathedral, Early English Gothic, Ken Follett, The Pillars of the EarthAbstract
This study examines the historical transformations and restoration processes of Salisbury Cathedral, located in Wiltshire, England. Constructed in the early 13th century, the cathedral is recognized as a significant example of Early English Gothic architecture. The research was conducted through a qualitative method based on a case study approach, combining literature review, historical document analysis, visual interpretation, and photographic examination. The study investigates the cathedral’s construction phases, spatial organization, decorative program, and the architectural changes it has undergone over the centuries. The findings reveal that while the cathedral has preserved the core features of Gothic architecture, successive simplifications, repairs, and reconstructions have given it a multilayered identity. Particularly the contrast between James Wyatt’s 18th-century simplifications and Sir George Gilbert Scott’s 19th-century Neo-Gothic restorations highlights the delicate balance between preservation and reconstruction. Furthermore, the cultural representations of the cathedral in cultural memory are explored through Ken Follett’s novel The Pillars of the Earth, its television adaptation, and video game version. In conclusion, Salisbury Cathedral is evaluated not only as a unique structure of the Gothic style, but also as a multifaceted reflection of cultural, artistic and collective memory.
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