Winchester is a cathedral city in Hampshire, in Southeast England. It is noted for once being the capital of the country from the 7th century until the Norman Conquest. The city today has a population of 42,000 people (2012 estimate). It has one of the largest cathedrals in Europe with one of the longest nave of any Gothic cathedrals on the continent.
The history of Winchester goes back to pre-Roman times, as evidenced by the discovering of an Iron Age enclosure called Oram's Arbour, on the western part of the city. By the Roman period, it had developed into a market town. A town wall was erected in the 3rd century to provide improved protection.
The medieval Westgate of Winchester: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Westgate_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1537311.jpg Author: Graham Horn
In AD 686, King Caedwallaof the ancient Kingdom of Wessex relocated the capital from Dorchester-on-Thames to Winchester. In 827, it became the main city of the Kingdom of Wessex. The street plan of the city was laid down during this period, and is still evident today. Winchester continued to serve as capital until after the Norman Conquest, when the capital was relocated to London.
Among the notable people associated with Winchester is novelist Jane Austin, who died there in 1817 and is buried at Winchester Cathedral.
King Arthur's Round Table, Winchester: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Winchester_-_Table_ronde_du_roi_Arthur.JPG Author: Christophe.Finot
Visiting Winchester
Winchester is served by the M3 motorway. To reach the city, leave the motorway at Junction 9. You can also reach it by train from London, Southampton, Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth, Reading, Oxford and Birmingham, among others.
Places of Interest in Winchester
Winchester Cathedral: One of the largest cathedrals in Europe with the longest Gothic nave in the world.Phone: 853 224; Open daily 8:30 am - 6:00 pm (restricted access during services); Admission: £6
Winchester City Mill: Old water mill now owned by the National Trust. Address: Bridge Street; Phone: 870057; Open: Mar-Oct Sat-Sun 11:00 am - 4:00 pm; Admission: £2 (adult); £1 (children); free to National Trust members.
Winchester Great Hall and King Arthur's Round Table: The Great Hall is the only remaining part of Winchester Castle. Built in the 13th century, it holds the world-famous King Arthur's Round Table, though in reality it was probably commissioned by King Henry VIII. Phone: 846476; Open: daily 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, closed December 25-26; Admission: free but donations encouraged
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