| Description | The city of New Salisbury was founded in the 13th century by Richard Poore, bishop of Salisbury on part of his demesne land, and in 1225 he granted a charter to his free citizens there. The bishops continued to hold the city as their demesne, and although some form of municipal organisation was achieved quite quickly, there was continual friction between the city's determination to assert its independence and the bishops' determination to maintain their overlordship. Finally the matter was settled in favour of the city, by James I's charter of incorporation of 1612. |