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Winchester
By admin | July 22, 2008
Winchester is an historic cathedral city in the English county of Hampshire, situated within the South East region.
Winchester has a long history: there has been continuous settlement at the site for over 2,000 years.
Winchester began as a Celtic hill fort, predating the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 CE. After the Roman conquest, the town grew and became known as Venta Belgarum. After prospering under Roman imperial rule for several centuries, Winchester discovered a new identity as an important Saxon city. Ultimately, King Alfred the Great named Winchester as the capital, first of his kingdom of Wessex and later all of England south of the Danelaw - despite the growing importance of London, it remained so until the Norman invasion of 1066. During the Middle Ages Winchester was renowned for its woollen goods, amongst other produce.
Presently, Winchester is an attractive and peaceful cathedral city deep in the southern English countryside, located conveniently close to both London and Southampton.
A visitor staying in London but with a day to spare and a desire to see more of England could do much worse than simply to hop on a train to Winchester (which gives good views of the southern English countryside) and spend the day wandering around Winchester.
Winchester Cathedral
a Norman cathedral begun in 1079, containing the Winchester Bible and featuring the longest Gothic nave in the world. An interesting fact is that the Cathedral was built on rafts floating on a peat marsh! For 800 years the raft was able to carry the weight but, by the 19th century, the Cathedral was in danger of collapse and the foundations were rebuilt by a diver working under water; look out for the statue and story of the Winchester Diver if you visit.
The Cathedral is the venue for regular recitals and concerts, and hosts a Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Summer Series. The famous English novelist Jane Austen died in Winchester in 1817 and is buried in the cathedral. A statue by British artist Anthony Gormley is to be found, somewhat unexpectedly, in the Crypt of the cathedral, and is not to be missed.
Dean Garnier Garden
This garden lies on the site of the dormitory of the Benedictine Monastery and offers splendid views of the Cathedral. Pay special attention to the stonework, and how the medieval builders suffered from problems with subsidence.
City Centre
The old City Centre, with its narrow pedestrian streets and overhanging medieval buildings. Of especial interest are the Pentice, a group of old shops arcaded at the front, and the Butter Cross, dating back to the 15th century and built with a tax levied on people caught eating butter during Lent.
Winchester Great Hall and King Arthur’s Round Table
The only remaining part of Winchester Castle is the Great Hall, built in the thirteenth century by Henry III. This is the home of the world famous Arthur’s Round Table; although this is now thought to be a fake commissioned by Henry VIII.
River Itchen
The River Itchen, a crystal clear chalk-upland stream that flows through multiple channels in central Winchester, seemingly just to surprise visitors by its tinkling presence at every turn.
Winchester City Mill
This old water mill has been restored to working order and you can visit the working areas and a rather exciting walkway under the mill almost at river level. The building also houses a National Trust shop and the Winchester Youth Hostel.
Winchester College
One of England’s old public schools, founded in 1382 and believed to be the oldest continuously running school in the country. Guided tours are available, lasting approximately 1 hour and include Chamber Court; the Gothic Chapel with its 14th century vaulted roof; College Hall; the 17th century red brick schoolroom built in the style of Christopher Wren and the original Cloister.
Wolvesey Castle
This palace was the chief residence of the Bishops of Winchester and its extensive ruins still reflect their importance and wealth.
St. Swithun’s upon Kingsgate
This tiny church is perched atop the arch of the Kingsgate, one of the two surviving city gates. This was once a not uncommon position for a place of worship, but St. Swithun’s is the only one remaining today. The interior is very plain, with whitewashed walls and an unadorned wooden ceiling. Sit for a moment in the simple wooden pews and it is hard not to feel a sense of peace. Open during daylight hours except for occasional services.
The Westgate
The other of the two surviving medieval gateways, positioned close to Winchester’s Great Hall. Interesting graffiti carved into the walls and floor from its use as a debtor’s prison from the sixteenth to the eighteenth century. Contains unique collection of the city’s weights and measures, including the Winchester bushel and the standard yard of Henry VII’s reign. Displays also include a fine ceiling from Winchester College painted to celebrate Queen Mary I and Phillip of Spain’s marriage in 1554. Also armour, gibbet, leg-irons. A rooftop viewing platform gives great views down the High Street.
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Topics: Hampshire |