City of Winchester

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About City of Winchester

Pictures from the city of Winchester, Hampshire, UK

Any pictures taken, of or about or around the city

INFO ON WINCHESTER

Winchester is a cathedral city on the edge of the South Downs in South England. It is a city with a rich a varied history. It was once England's ancient capital and former seat of King Alfred the Great. The settlement of Winchester was first established in the Iron Age - 150BC and surrendered to King William and Conqueor in 1066, who built Wolvelsey Castle and set the wheels in moption for the construction of present Cathedral begins. The Doomsday book was also compiled in Winchester in 1086.

According to the tourist information, Winchester is 'popular for its shopping streets and architecture, its floral summer season and quirky open air events'.

Winchester is most well known for its eleventh century cathedral and for the Great Hall which for over 600 years has housed the mysterious Round Table. The Great Hall was built in the 12th century and is the only surviving portion of Winchester Castle. The Great Hall was rebuilt, sometime between 1222-1235, and still exists in this form. It is known for "King Arthur's" Round Table, which has hung in the hall from at least 1463. The table actually dates from the 13th century, and as such is not contemporary to Arthur.

According to Channel 4's Best and Worst Places to Live 2006 programme, Winchester is the best place in the country to live! www.channel4.com/4homes/ontv/best&worst/2006/winchest.... According to the programme, shown in Oct 2006, 'Winchester combines its rich heritage with the best of city life, offering a vibrant cultural centre set amongst beautiful rural surrounds.

Some random facts about the city are:

The legend of St Swithun originates in Winchester

Despite Winchester's association with King Alfred, no one has ever found his remains.

Winchester College is believed to be the oldest continuously running school in the country.

Winchester plays host to the largest farmers' market in the UK.]

Jane Austen moved to the city from her nearby home at Chawton in 1817. She was laid to rest in Winchester Cathedral upon her death, following a brief residence in College Street.

Winchester has a strong affinity with British military history - The Royal Green Jackets

John Keats wrote his ode 'To Autumn' during a stay in Winchester in 1819.

Diver William Walker spent six years toiling below the walls of the cathedral in a bid to replace the foundations.

Le Tour de France visited Winchester. in 1994

Winchester College is also apparently the birthplace of the modern game of cricket!

Other links:

www.vrwinchester.co.uk/
www.winchestercollege.co.uk/
www.cityofwinchester.co.uk/
www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/
www.winchester.gov.uk/
www.visit-hampshire.co.uk
www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/lovehampshire?ref=ts

http://www.visitwinchester.co.uk/site/home