Old Sarum (Sorbiodoni)

Old Sarum, situated approximately 2 miles (3 km) north of modern Salisbury near the A345 road, is recognized as the site of the earliest settlement in the Salisbury area of England. This historic location, now managed by English Heritage, is accessible to the public and features prominently in some of the country’s earliest records.

The region around Old Sarum is rich in ancient history, with the iconic monoliths of Stonehenge and Avebury located nearby. Evidence of prehistoric activity dates back to around 3000 BC. Around 400 BC, an oval Iron Age hillfort was established at Old Sarum, strategically positioned to oversee the intersection of two native trade routes and the Hampshire Avon. This fort of acres (11ha) with superb views was protected by a single massive bank and ditch, with an entrance on the E.

The Romans and Old Sarum (Sorbiodoni)

Three Roman roads from the north and east met outside the eastern gate of the hillfort, where two significant Romano-British settlements were also established beyond the ramparts. Little is known about this time, though it is believed that a military fort was initially placed within the earthworks during the early Roman period, with a civilian settlement outside. This civilian settlement likely became the core of one or both of the extra-mural Roman settlements. As the need for a fort decreased, the area inside the ramparts was repurposed to house a Romano-British temple.

There is no evidence regarding the fate of Sorviodunum at the end of the Roman period, and records from the Anglo-Saxon period are scant.

Post Roman Period

In the 6th century, the Saxons captured the British fort at Old Sarum and later utilized it as a defensive stronghold against Viking raids. The Normans further developed the site by constructing a motte and bailey castle, a stone curtain wall, and a grand cathedral. Within the castle, a royal palace was built for King Henry I, which was later used by Plantagenet rulers. This period of prosperity lasted for approximately 300 years until conflicts between the Wiltshire sheriff and the Salisbury bishop prompted the relocation of the cathedral to the nearby plain.

As New Salisbury began to develop around the construction site of the new cathedral in the early 13th century, the structures of Old Sarum were dismantled for their stone, leading to the decline of the old town. The castle, long neglected, was abandoned by Edward II in 1322 and eventually sold by Henry VIII in 1514.

Despite being effectively uninhabited, Old Sarum’s landowners retained parliamentary representation until the 19th century, making it one of the most infamous rotten boroughs prior to the Reform Act of 1832. Notably, Old Sarum functioned as a pocket borough controlled by the Pitt family.

The Romano-British villa at Rockbourne lies some 9 miles to the south.

Roman Roads near Sorviodvnvm

NE (6) to Boscombe WNW (20) to Cold Kitchen Hill Possible road: N (24) to Cvnetio (Mildenhall, Wiltshire) NE (17) to East Anton (East Anton, Hampshire) SSW (7) to Rockbovrne E (22) to Venta Belgarvm WSW (40) to Ilchester SSW (22) to Vindocladia

Sites near Old Sarum (Sorbiodoni)

• Boscombe (8 km)
  Villa
• Rockbourne Roman Villa (16 km)
  Villa
• Ackling Dyke (20 km)
  Roman Road
• Farnham Villa (25 km)
  Pottery and Villa
• Sparsholt Roman Villa (28 km)
  Villa
• Andover (Leucomagus) Roman Settlement (28 km)
  Minor Settlement
• Onna? (Nursling) Settlement (28 km)
  Possible Roman Settlement
• Turvey Settlement (28 km)
  Possible Settlement
• Cold Kitchen Hill Romano-British Rural Temple (31 km)
  Temple Or Shrine
• Iwerne Villa (34 km)
  Villa