WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL

There has been a Cathedral in Winchester since about 648 AD. The foundations of the  current Cathedral were laid out in 1079 by Walkelin, the first Norman Bishop. To this new building (consecrated in 1093) the relics of St. Swithin were solemnly transferred, 15 July, and the `Old MinsterŽ was torn down.

The Norman cathedral measured 535 ft (164m) in length, the longest then in existence. This is 13m longer than the present structure, the Norman towers at the West front were removed about 1350.

Before that, there were problems. Proposed towers on the transept ends were abandoned due to poor ground conditions, and in 1107 the central tower collapsed. Between 1905-12 William Walker, the diver, worked with 150 others to underpin most of the cathedral walls.

Within its walls took place the burial of William Rufus (1100), the coronation of Richard I (1194), the marriage of Henry IV (1401), and the marriage of Queen Mary (1554).

In its 900+ year history the Cathedral has been much remodeled and extended. In 1202 the Retrochoir was begun. Between 1350 - 1410 the West front was rebuilt and the Nave remodeled in the Perpendicular style. This was accomplished by cutting the Norman stonework in-situ and recasting the piers.

The elevations were altered from the original 3 storey work into 2 storey by cutting out the heads of the Norman arched arcade and resetting them at a higher level. The whole Nave was also re-vaulted at this time. In 1500 the East bay of the Lady chapel was rebuilt.

It is impossible to adequately detail even a small portion of the Cathedral’s history, the many changes it has undergone, and the wealth of beautiful treasures it contains. Many of the ancient Kings of England are buried here, alongside Saints, Bishops, and many notable 'commoners', such as Jayne Austen and Izaac Walton. The 12th century `Winchester BibleŽ, font and wall paintings have survived, along with many later works of art.

Before leaving the Cathedral any visitor should spare the time to tour the Cathedral Close . For those of you who cannot get over here to see it first hand, follow the link above for a quick photographic tour.

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© 1998 G R Howard

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