Salisbury Cathedral stonework to be sold in charity auction

It is described as an "attractive talking point for someone's house or garden"

A stone ornament, that has adorned the roof of Salisbury Cathedral for nearly 200 years, is to be sold for charity.

The 60cm (2ft) Portland stone finial was carved between 1840 and 1865 and sited on the roof of the chapter house.

Weather damaged, it was removed from the north east buttress gable as part of an ongoing major repair programme.

Described as an "attractive talking point for someone's house or garden", it is to be auctioned on behalf of the Salisbury Diamond Jubilee Fund.

'Piece of history'

A major repair programme to safeguard the fabric of the 752-year-old building, has been methodically working its way around the cathedral since 1986.

Around 75% complete, the latest phase of work is centred on the chapter house where damaged finials and gargoyles are being replaced by hand carved replicas.

"This is an absolute one-off," said Kate Robinson, from the Salisbury Diamond Jubilee Fund.

"Thanks to the Very Reverend June Osborne, Dean of Salisbury Cathedral - this is a truly unique opportunity to acquire a tangible piece of the Cathedral's history.

"And it will make a really attractive talking point for someone's house or garden."

The 70kg (154lb) stone finial is to be auctioned at Salisbury Cathedral on 15 September.

All proceeds from the auction will go to the Salisbury Diamond Jubilee Fund, which was launched last year to support local charities in and around Salisbury