A NEW book detailing the history of one of Salisbury’s most iconic areas has been penned by those who with a passion for its preservation.

Members of the Salisbury Cathedral Close Preservation Society have spent 15 months exploring the records of each house in The Close.

The 40-page book does not ignore the cathedral but will allow locals and tourists to learn about the properties that line the area.

Society chairman Richard Owen said: “It covers about 50 houses in the close and we want to be able to help people to walk around The Close and enjoy the houses that are there.”

The guide is arranged in the sequence of a walk around The Close so that the visitor can read about each house as they pass them.

The society struck up the idea for the guide after one of its newest members showcased a book that had been written more than a decade ago.

“About a year ago one our new trustees produced a book that was written in 1997 with all sorts of information that was out of date, so we thought we would write another one.”

In making the book trustees of the society split The Close into sections, with each member delving into the history, architecture and noteworthy residents. It was then checked by the cathedral’s librarian to make sure the details were correct before it was published.

“It was quite enjoyable to do. We had four authors and one photographer, and we took a chunk of The Close each.”

The book, priced at £4, will be on sale from tomorrow in the cathedral shop, Sarum College bookshop and The Post Office in High Street.