Salisbury, Lands End

 You have arrived in Salisbury, one of the most history-rich towns in England.

Long before the Romans arrived and settled in Sorviodunum, the various old-English names combined with archaeological finds implied settlement as early as Neolithic times, over 3000 years ago.

Invasions and loyalties read like a roll-call of conquering armies - after the Romans, the Saxons took over, falling to the King of Wessex in the 6th century. The Vikings had a try at occupation, but King Alfred (he of the burnt cakes) restored fortifications, and Salisbury - or Sarum as it was then - was safe until the spectacularly named Sweyn Forkbeard sacked and burned the town in 1003.

The town shifted location a little in the early 13th century, moving to its present site - construction on the cathedral began, and the market (still held every Tuesday and Saturday) was given its charter. Salisbury was - and remains - an important centre for the arts, with Handel's great friend, James Harris, directing concerts in the Assembly Rooms in the 18th century.