Winchester
Click on image below for slideshow of Winchester (Courtesy of Winchester City Council)
Official tourism site for Winchester: http://www.visitwinchester.co.uk/
Click on image below for slideshow of Winchester (Courtesy of Winchester City Council)
Official tourism site for Winchester: http://www.visitwinchester.co.uk/
Winchester
England's ancient capital is a city steeped in history, offering rich pickings for visitors looking to uncover Britain's past. From legend and lore to awe-inspiring architecture, Winchester is a treasure trove of heritage.
The legend of St Swithun originates in Winchester - according to the legend, the saint's remains were moved against his dying wishes from their final resting place in the grounds of the cathedral to the inner sanctum, whereupon it proceeded to rain for 40 days as a sign of his displeasure. Now, if it rains on the saint's day (15th July), it is said to herald another 39 days of rain!
Winchester Cathedral
A place of worship for over 900 years, Winchester's world-famous cathedral is as remarkable for its hidden treasures as it is for its spectacular architecture. Here, in the longest medieval nave in Europe, you will find outstanding works of art alongside the tombs of Jane Austen, Izaak Walton and the early English kings. The Winchester Bible is widely recognised as the finest of all the great 12th century bibles due to its size and sumptuous illumination, while the equally impressive Sound II statue by Antony Gormley stands in the evocative setting of the crypt.
The Great Hall and Round Table
Winchester is also famous for the legendary Arthurian Round Table. A striking sight, the table has been housed for over 700 years in The Great Hall - the only remaining part of Winchester Castle, once the centre of court and government life.
Winchester College
Founded by William of Wykeham in 1382, Winchester College is believed to be the oldest continuously running school in the country. The College has a 14th century gothic chapel and the redbrick schoolroom designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Winchester College is believed to be the oldest continuously running school in the country. During the spring term, the boys play a unique version of football, Winkies (shorthand for Winchester College Football).
The Hospital of St Cross
The Hospital of St Cross is a medieval almshouse that has provided sheltered accommodation for older gentlemen since its foundation in 1136. It still offers the Wayfarer's Dole - a morsel of bread and beaker of ale - to travellers as it has done for more than eight centuries.
Winchester City Mill
Rebuilt in 1744, Winchester City Mill - a watermill which began grinding corn again in early 2004 following major restoration - is a compact National Trust property perched over the fast-flowing River Itchen at the bottom of the High Street.
Wolvesley Castle
Wolvesey Castle is one of the greatest medieval buildings in England. This palace was the chief residence of the bishops of Winchester and its extensive ruins still reflect their importance and wealth. The last great occasion at Wolvesey was on 25 July 1554, when Queen Mary and Philip II of Spain held their wedding breakfast in the East Hall.
The Westgate
The Westgate at the top of Winchester's High Street is a fortified medieval gateway and was a debtors' prison for 150 years. You can still see the prisoners' graffiti on the walls. There is also a Tudor painted ceiling. Climb to the top for a scenic view over the city.
England's ancient capital is a city steeped in history, offering rich pickings for visitors looking to uncover Britain's past. From legend and lore to awe-inspiring architecture, Winchester is a treasure trove of heritage.
The legend of St Swithun originates in Winchester - according to the legend, the saint's remains were moved against his dying wishes from their final resting place in the grounds of the cathedral to the inner sanctum, whereupon it proceeded to rain for 40 days as a sign of his displeasure. Now, if it rains on the saint's day (15th July), it is said to herald another 39 days of rain!
Winchester Cathedral
A place of worship for over 900 years, Winchester's world-famous cathedral is as remarkable for its hidden treasures as it is for its spectacular architecture. Here, in the longest medieval nave in Europe, you will find outstanding works of art alongside the tombs of Jane Austen, Izaak Walton and the early English kings. The Winchester Bible is widely recognised as the finest of all the great 12th century bibles due to its size and sumptuous illumination, while the equally impressive Sound II statue by Antony Gormley stands in the evocative setting of the crypt.
The Great Hall and Round Table
Winchester is also famous for the legendary Arthurian Round Table. A striking sight, the table has been housed for over 700 years in The Great Hall - the only remaining part of Winchester Castle, once the centre of court and government life.
Winchester College
Founded by William of Wykeham in 1382, Winchester College is believed to be the oldest continuously running school in the country. The College has a 14th century gothic chapel and the redbrick schoolroom designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Winchester College is believed to be the oldest continuously running school in the country. During the spring term, the boys play a unique version of football, Winkies (shorthand for Winchester College Football).
The Hospital of St Cross
The Hospital of St Cross is a medieval almshouse that has provided sheltered accommodation for older gentlemen since its foundation in 1136. It still offers the Wayfarer's Dole - a morsel of bread and beaker of ale - to travellers as it has done for more than eight centuries.
Winchester City Mill
Rebuilt in 1744, Winchester City Mill - a watermill which began grinding corn again in early 2004 following major restoration - is a compact National Trust property perched over the fast-flowing River Itchen at the bottom of the High Street.
Wolvesley Castle
Wolvesey Castle is one of the greatest medieval buildings in England. This palace was the chief residence of the bishops of Winchester and its extensive ruins still reflect their importance and wealth. The last great occasion at Wolvesey was on 25 July 1554, when Queen Mary and Philip II of Spain held their wedding breakfast in the East Hall.
The Westgate
The Westgate at the top of Winchester's High Street is a fortified medieval gateway and was a debtors' prison for 150 years. You can still see the prisoners' graffiti on the walls. There is also a Tudor painted ceiling. Climb to the top for a scenic view over the city.
View Guildhall Winchester in a larger map