Winchester – One of the Best City in U.K
Winchester, a city and town (borough), at the center of the administrative and historical district of Hampshire, England. It is well known for its medieval cathedral. The town is located in the valley of the river Itchen. Although few of the ancient Venta Belgarum’s roads remain, its central location in the Roman road network shows its importance in the past.
The episcopal seat of West Saxony was removed from Dorchester in the seventh century and Winchester became the capital of the Kingdom of Wessex. Under the Saxon bishops Alfred the Great (ruled 871-899), Winchester became a center of learning. It was also the seat of the Danish King Canute (reigned from 1016 to 1035), and many ancient kings, including Alfred and Canute II, were buried there.
Its success continued after the Norman Conquest (1066), when it benefited from its proximity to the port of Southampton, 19 km to the south, which gave it access to the royal possessions of Normandy. Winchester was the first seat of the English wool and cloth trade – its trade dates back to Saxon times – and became famous in William II’s 11th-century grant to Bishop Walkelin of the Fair of Saint-Gilles, which was held until after that time.
19th century. In the 13th century, Winchester had a large Jewish community, which is remembered by the name of St Jewry. During the civil war of Stephen’s reign (1135-1154), the city was burned, and then London, with a great advantage in terms of territory, replaced it as the capital of England.
Winchester has seen only minor growth during this period. It continues to be a major agricultural market and its administrative functions as a city have long grown. There is little production. Winchester’s residential appeal has attracted many travelers and retirees.
The glory of the historic city is its cathedral, the tallest (169 meters) in England. Bishop Walkelin’s Norman design (1070–1098) replaced the original Saxon Cathedral of St Swithun. The nave is the vertical work of the 14th century bishops William of Edington and William of Wykeham. The cathedral was built on stilts and alluvium at the bottom of the Itchen Valley and required extensive restoration in the 20th century, mainly by raising its dramatic foundations. Of the Norman castle, only the great room remains.
The King’s Gate and the West Gate are surviving gates in the ancient city wall, and there is a beautiful city cross. The Sainte-Croix Hospital (1136) is a unique example of a medieval hospital still preserved. Among the many educational institutions, the most famous is Winchester College Boys School, founded by William of Wykeham in 1382.
The city formed an area that extended beyond the historic Cathedral City to include a large urban area. There are Army and Navy establishments in the area. Trout fishing is popular in the Itchen Valley. Area of the city, 255 square kilometers (661 square km). popularity. (2001) cities, 41,420; cities, 107,222; (2011) cities, 45,184; city, 116,595.
Best things to do in and around Winchester
Great Hall
Winchester Great Hall has a rich history. Winchester didn’t get the castle it should have because Oliver Cromwell destroyed it. However, he left the Great Hall standing.
One of the many claims to fame of the Great Hall Winchester is that it is the “home” of King Arthur’s Round Table. In fact, it has been said that Winchester may have been the model for Camelot.
Either way, we will never know – but we do know that the round table on display in the Great Hall is not yet King Arthur’s round table, but it is still being photographed. A steel gate was built on the other side of the cathedral to honor the wedding of Charles and Diana in 1981. But there is a beautiful garden of Queen Eleanor in the back. Plus, there are plenty of vintage costumes – including crowns – if you want to dress up for some vintage selfies. It’s great if you’re looking for fun things to do in Winchester
St Catherine Hill
St Catherine’s Hill is a small limestone hill on the outskirts of Winchester. It has great views over Winchester and is a lovely short walk. Follow the River Itchen to the end of Winchester High Street as above.
Follow the path along the river for about a mile (you will pass St Cross Hospital – more info below) when you reach the path of the steep stairs on your left which will lead you on the hill of Holy -Catherine and some beautiful views.
Visit Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Cathedral must be at the top of the list of the best places to see in Winchester. William the Conqueror started building the world famous cathedral in 1079. In fact, Winchester was the first town he visited after 1066 as it was where the treasure was at that time.
William was keen to show the Saxons how incredibly prosperous the Normans were and the construction of Winchester Cathedral was one way – something we can still appreciate today. Winchester Cathedral is still a working cathedral and an important part of the city of Winchester.
The exterior of the house is beautiful. I found dusk to be the best time to photograph the cathedral’s facade. The interior is also very photogenic – especially the stained glass windows. Free guided tours of Winchester Cathedral take place every hour between 10am and 3pm. I took one and it was the best way to learn about the cathedral and find good photo opportunities. It’s easy to miss the recently restored stained glass windows on the east side of the building.
Winchester Cathedral is really in the heart of Winchester made history and it is almost impossible to ignore it. The cathedral is open every day of the year.
People who come just to worship are not paid, but those who want to come and take pictures are paid. Although the cathedral is open every day, there are events etc., so check which parts of Winchester Cathedral are not open on the day you plan to visit.
