Winchester is set in a valley of the Hampshire Downs, approximately 100 kilometres south-west of London. This small city was once the ancient capital of King Alfred the Great, King of Wessex, before the capital was moved to London. Originally a Celtic hill fort before the Roman invasion, the city has played a significant role in English history, remaining the capital until the Norman invasion of 1066.
Winchester became a Saxon city, built on the site of a Roman town, its’ main attraction is its long, low Cathedral, built in the 11th century and one of the longest churches in the world. It is home to the priceless Winchester Bible, probably the greatest work of 12th century English art in existence, and also a pair of 16th century globes, terrestrial and celestial. Worthy of note is that on the terrestrial globe, California is shown as an island! Jane Austen, (authoress of ‘Pride and Prejudice’) is buried in the north nave aisle. She lived for a short time before her death in nearby College Street. Izaak Walton, another author, is also buried here. All that remains of the Norman Castle is the 13th Century Great Hall within which, hanging high on the west wall, is the famed Round Table of King Arthur legend. Originally a walled city, all that now remains are some sections of wall and, of the original five gates, only the Westgate, now a museum but previously a prison, and Kingsgate, with its small church of St Swithun above, remain. Magnificent views of the city can be seen from St Giles’ Hill, a few minutes walk away from the town centre. The city straddles the River Itchen and quiet walks along the river through the city gardens are a must. The river rises at Hinton Ampner, a small village some twelve kilometres away, which has a National Trust Garden, a small pub and not much else! It is well worth a visit however. In the city a recently restored working water mill straddles the river and is now open to the public. After years in decline, otters have recently returned to the area and have been photographed at the City Mill.
Other sites, in the city, worthy of mention are:
The City Museum which houses a collection of local bygones.
The Museum of the Royal Greenjackets which is one of the best military museums in Britain.
Winchester College, founded in 1382, the oldest public school in the country.
Wolvesey Castle, previously the Bishop’s Palace, and now a ruin in the keep of English Heritage.
King Alfred’s Statue located at the east end of the High Street.
The old Chesil Rectory, built in 1459 and now a restaurant.
The 15th century Buttercross in the High Street and the Got Begot House, now a Pizza Palour, close by.
Other places of interest within 30 kilometres are:
Jane Austen’s House in Chawton near Alton, a museum with personal items and family memorabilia, where she lived from 1809 to1817.
Gilbert White’s House and the Oates Museum in Selborne, with fascinating information on the naturalist and author of ‘The Natural History of Selborne’, and the Oates family memorabilia including details of Scott’s ill-fated Antarctic expedition in 1910-1913.
The ‘Watercress Line’, the mid-Hants railway which runs steam and diesel trains through 15 kilometres of beautiful Hampshire countryside from Alresford to Alton.
Closer to Winchester, The Intech Science Centre, a family attraction with hands-on interactive science and technology exhibits.
Did you know that – Winchester Cathedral doubled as the Vatican in Rome in the big budget film ‘The Da Vince Code’, and was also used in the films on Tudor England, ‘Elizabeth’ and ‘The Golden Age’, starring Kate Blanchett?
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