SARUM U3A
Feb 2010

A major attraction of the U3A experience is the opportunity to join a wide range of interest groups. At the February Coffee Morning Groups Organiser Linda Farrow appealed for members with ideas to run even more groups from September.
 Chairman Neil Russell announced that the March Coffee Morning will include the AGM, a U3A video and group leaders’ presentations of their activities.

Ena Baldock, retiring Speakers Secretary of nearly 15 years standing, was applauded for her contribution as she introduced our speaker Adrian Green, Director Salisbury and South Wilts Museum. He spoke to his enthralled audience on the history of the King’s House, the home of Salisbury Museum since 1981. Built in the 13th century, it was originally called Sherborne Place because it was the home of the Abbot of Sherborne. Boasting some wonderful architectural features, it has undergone many changes and improvements over the centuries. Thomas Sadler, the leaseholder from 1599 entertained King James I on two occasions in 1610 and 1613; hence, the house was renamed the King’s House in the 18th century.

In 1785, Lieutenant Henry Shrapnel, inventor of the explosive shell bearing his name, moved into the house. The building was subdivided in 1837 and occupied by two tenants, one of whom was mistress of Godolphin School. The school remained at the King’s House until 1848 until it moved to Milford Hill. From 1852 the building housed the Diocesan Training College, which Thomas Hardy used as inspiration for the teacher training college in Jude the Obscure. The college finally closed in 1978.

Return to Home Page