Winchester Guildhall

Winchester Guildhall © TAB

Winchester was built over the old Roman city of Venta Belgarum. During the 9th C. King Alfred made Winchester the great capital of Saxon England. It remained the national capital for 200 years following the Norman Conquest, sharing the honour with London. Today the town is best known for its magnificent Norman cathedral, one of the longest in Europe. The cathedral buildings dominate the city, which is still a key agricultural market centre.

Winchester has much that is old and interesting. Part of the medieval city wall is still standing, and so is Castle Hall, where Walter Raleigh was condemned to death. The surrounding streets contain fine buildings from every period since the early 12th century.

Places of Interest in Winchester

Winchester Cathedral

Winchester CathedralThe original church was founded in 1079 on a site where Christian worship had take place for over 400 years. It's nave looks 14th-c but is in fact a reworking of Norman construction. From the outside it is not so imposing but inside its vastness overwhelms you, as it is the second-longest cathedral in Europe. Its many important treasures include Jane Austen's tomb, a 12th-c illuminated Winchester Bible, rare medieval wall paintings and the breathtakingly beautiful stone altar screen. The so-called mortuary chests perched on the choir screens contain the bodies of several Anglo-Saxon kings, including King Canute.

Triforium Gallery Museum, Crypt and tower are also open to the public (charges apply).

Opening times: all year, Mon-Sat 8.30-6, Sun 8.30-5.30 Admission Charge (free entry to services)
Location: 1 The Close, Winchester, SO23 9LS - Tel: 01962 857200 - Website
Facilities: Parking, café, restaurant, toilets, shop

Map of Winchester

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