The view of Salisbury Cathedral from Old Sarum

Wiltshire's history is an important aspect of people's sense of place.

This is something that has been recognised by a former army officer now living in South Wiltshire.

Since the late 15th Century, despite its cultural and spiritual trappings, Salisbury has been steadily going down hill.

Salisbury was once the country's sixth richest city, an accolade that Cathedral city will never likely ever see again.

That is not to say it is any worse off for the fact, since today Salisbury Cathedral is a proud reminder of the City's modern splendour.

John Waddington outside the Medieval Hall, Salisbury

John Waddington heralds from north-west London originally but it was his time in the army that brought him to Wiltshire and to the three loves in his life: his wife, Jane, the city of Salisbury and the Medieval Hall.

For 700 years the Hall was the home of the Deans of Salisbury Cathedral and now stands on the site of a former teacher training college.

When the college was disbanded in the late seventies, the Hall's lease became available and the Waddington's seized the moment.

Since then they have turned the Medieval Hall into a thriving centre for music, lectures and exhibitions.

The original city: Old Sarum

It also provides some valuable insight into the City's history with a forty minute audio-visual show, Discover Salisbury.

Combining lighting effects, sound, music and commentary, it tells the story of Salisbury's past.

John says that the show is not just popular amongst the many thousands of visitors who come to Salisbury from abroad.

Many local people have been to see the show and tell him afterwards that they never realised that there was so much to Salisbury's history.

Living in Salisbury has given me an intense sense of history.

John Waddington

John's own view of Salisbury and South Wiltshire is one that is sharpened by his connection with the past.

There have only been three owners of the Medieval Hall during its 700 year history: the Church, the teacher training college and the Waddingtons.

"When you spend all day and every day in the sort of environment you are very conscious of the past."

But John brushes aside the notion that this is something to dwell on.

"I'm too busy frankly organising things and looking after the hall to think in those grand terms!"

However, he does accept that the Waddingtons will, indeed, be regarded by future historians as being another chapter in the city's history.

"We're the Hall's third owners in quite a colourful history, so perhaps we are, after all, making a niche for ourselves in the history of the city."

For more about the Medieval Hall contact: