Jane Howells – författare

The first school at Leehurst in Campbell Road, Salisbury, run by the Sisters of Christian Education, was opened by the Bishop of Clifton in May 1914. In 1953 the school was taken over by the Sisters of La Retraite who continued to be involved until 2005. Meanwhile, in the early 1930s Miss E. N. Swanton had begun her school for boys, first in the city centre, and from 1963 at Elm Grove. In 1996 the merger took place, when the Swan boys and teachers moved to Campbell Road. Since 2002 this has been a co-educational independent school, taking the name Leehurst Swan School in 2007.

The first school at Leehurst in Campbell Road, Salisbury, run by the Sisters of Christian Education, was opened by the Bishop of Clifton in May 1914. In 1953 the school was taken over by the Sisters of La Retraite who continued to be involved until 2005. Meanwhile, in the early 1930s Miss E. N. Swanton had begun her school for boys, first in the city centre, and from 1963 at Elm Grove. In 1996 the merger took place, when the Swan boys and teachers moved to Campbell Road. Since 2002 this has been a co-educational independent school, taking the name Leehurst Swan School in 2007.

Salisbury is always symbolised by its cathedral spire and the physical dominance of that magnificent building over the surrounding city is as impressive today as it was in medieval times. The two elements of Salisbury - the cathedral and the city - owe their existence to each other and the relationship between the authorities on opposite sides of the Close wall dominated the early centuries when the new town was developing its independent identity.The shape of the city was laid down in the 13th century and the essence of the planned medieval town with its chequer system can still be easily traced. Growth since then has spread outwards from this original core but the importance of the Market Place still draws both residents and visitors back to the centre. 'Continuity and change' may be a familiar phrase but it summarises Salisbury both architecturally and as a community. A recurring theme is the continued use of old buildings for changed functions. By such gentle adaptations wholesale destruction and rebuilding have been avoided. This important book traces the development of Salisbury as a market, as an industrial town, as a transport hub, and as a social and service centre.Its authors have very successfully met the challenge of producing a comprehensive, concise and readable volume, generously and intelligently illustrated. It will provide a valuable source of reference and also excite the imagination through its fascinating insights into the lives of past citizens. A splendid synthesis of well-researched facts and entertaining anecdotes, this is local history writing at its best.