Winchester Cathedral and grounds
May 4, 2011 21:02:08 GMT
Post by Deleted on May 4, 2011 21:02:08 GMT
The lovely Spindrift was kind enough to take me on a tour of Winchester Cathedral when I stayed with her in England. It once was the Capital City of the country before London took the title.
'The present church, the longest medieval cathedral in Britain, dates from 1079, and was built in the Norman (Romanesque) style. St. Swithun's remains were moved to the new church in 1093. The cathedral was at the heart of a powerful diocese that stretched from the Thames River to the Channel Islands and attracted many pilgrims who came to pray at the tombs of Swithun and other saints.
The influential and wealthy bishops of Winchester further developed and adorned their cathedral throughout the Middle Ages. The east end was expanded in the 13th century. Even more remodeling and expansion took place in the 14th century, including the Gothic nave, west front and choir stalls.
Stephen Gardiner (1531-55) was the last important Roman Catholic bishop of Winchester, during the reign of Queen Mary I. He officiated at her marriage to Philip of Spain, which took place in Winchester Cathedral.'
There is so much history attached to this Cathedral that really, I think it would take a historian to tell it all. Here are some photos I took of the Cathedral, I hope you enjoy viewing these. It's an amazing place and Spindrift (who was my tour guide ) explained many things about this place and area to me, I found it absolutely fascinating:
The view from the front. btw, do you see that policeman guarding the front doors of the Cathedral? Well he gave me a big hug later on as we approached. I'm still not sure why, but it was nice
The Cathedral grounds are huge, all surrounded by a very tall stone wall and big doors that are locked up each evening at a certain time. Just outside of these walls are more historic buildings. But firstly, here are photos what the houses and structures that are inside of these walls. People who work for the Cathedral in one capacity or another live or work in these buildings: (Spindrift, please do add more information about the photos if you like):
Spindrift says - hearsay has it that this house is haunted. The terrifying ghost of a monk is said to emerge from this house, walk towards the cathedral and then merge into the walls and disappear from view. As the gates of the surrounding cathedral wall are closed at 10pm every night, you would have to be living in the Close to have a chance to check out these appearances.
Before the Reformation this area comprised the Cloisters which were in use by the Benedictine monks who were part and parcel of the cathedral. Henry V111 ordered the destruction of churches and monasteries so the cloisters were pulled down. You can still see some of the ruins today although a garden has been planted in their stead.
There is a large District Crown Court in Winchester and this house is where visiting Judges live. It has its own large staff and attendent flunkies.
A book sale is held within these rooms:
In fact this is the Deanery where the Dean of Winchester Cathedral lives.
We go inside and see the remains of the original floor: This mosaic dates from Roman times. The Romans inhabited Winchester for several hundred years and laid out the formation of the town which still endures today.
The private college:
This is, in fact, the Pilgrims School where boys are privately educated from the ages of 8 - 12. This is the norm in England where boys then go to public school from 13 - 18 years. Public actually means 'private' in so far as these schools do not have any state funding and parents pay a small fortune to have their children privately educated. Prices vary according to the establishment but I think it costs in the region of £30,000 per annum to send your boy to Eton, one of the top English schools.
Being educated at one of these top schools invariably gives ones child a good start in life.
These are the doors where we exit:
and just outside:This is the ancient Tudor building which comprises the Music School at Pilgrims School. Pilgrims supplies both choristers and quiristers to the cathedral. These boys are chosen at a young age to sing in the choirs and because they work so hard and have less holidays because of duties to the church, they receive their education at a discounted price. They are dressed in red and white robes and sing Evensong in the cathedral most evenings. The quiristers 'belong' to Wincheser college and live in separate dwellings. These customs date back to ancient times and I do not fully understand them. Because I had a fair amount to do with the Pilgrims School I won a raffle prize and was given piano lessons for one year in this music school. This was a delightful experience.
The church in front just outside of the doors:
This tiny church is called St. Swithun upon Kingsgate. It is indeed built above one of the main ancient gates leading out of the previously walled city of Winchester. There were five such gates - Eastgate, Westgate, Kingsgate (I will think of the other two later). This church is still in use.
Part of the huge ancient stone wall that surrounds the Cathedral:
I am not sure of when this very high flintstone wall was constructed around most of the cathedral. It was certainly put in place to guard and protect the inhabitants living inside the Cathedral Close - these would have been Church officials, the Dean and various people connected to the cathedral. I think it was built in the 14th century. There are two gates in this wall, both wooden. There is a main gate where cars can drive in, although as is said above, it is locked every night at 10pm. Built into this old gate is a small gate that is used by pedestrians coming home late at night! and they have a special key.
We walk down the street:
Jane Austen's last home:
Jane actually lived with her brother who had an estate some miles from Winchester but in the last days of her illness she moved into this house so that a doctor could have easy access to her. She had only days to live and is buried inside the Cathedral.
This is a picture of the well-known (and much lauded) Winchester College which was founded in the 14th century. Winchester College is known for its scholars and, indeed, it is difficult for even a clever boy to gain a place within its hallowed walls. Only the best are picked. It could be said that Winchester College is on a par with Westminster College in London in terms of competition of the cleverest.
And what remains of Wolvesey Castle:
Wolvesley Castle is the seat of the Bishops of Winchester from time immemorial. The first ancient castle has long since fallen down and the newer Bishop's 'palace' has been built alongside it. The Pilgrims' School has its playing fields alongside. Many a glorious sports day has been held there!
Next to the remains of the ancient Wolvesey Castle:
Back within the Cathedral grounds:
And just inside the area behind the bars:
And so concludes our walk around Winchester Cathedral on that sunny Spring day.
'The present church, the longest medieval cathedral in Britain, dates from 1079, and was built in the Norman (Romanesque) style. St. Swithun's remains were moved to the new church in 1093. The cathedral was at the heart of a powerful diocese that stretched from the Thames River to the Channel Islands and attracted many pilgrims who came to pray at the tombs of Swithun and other saints.
The influential and wealthy bishops of Winchester further developed and adorned their cathedral throughout the Middle Ages. The east end was expanded in the 13th century. Even more remodeling and expansion took place in the 14th century, including the Gothic nave, west front and choir stalls.
Stephen Gardiner (1531-55) was the last important Roman Catholic bishop of Winchester, during the reign of Queen Mary I. He officiated at her marriage to Philip of Spain, which took place in Winchester Cathedral.'
There is so much history attached to this Cathedral that really, I think it would take a historian to tell it all. Here are some photos I took of the Cathedral, I hope you enjoy viewing these. It's an amazing place and Spindrift (who was my tour guide ) explained many things about this place and area to me, I found it absolutely fascinating:
The view from the front. btw, do you see that policeman guarding the front doors of the Cathedral? Well he gave me a big hug later on as we approached. I'm still not sure why, but it was nice
The Cathedral grounds are huge, all surrounded by a very tall stone wall and big doors that are locked up each evening at a certain time. Just outside of these walls are more historic buildings. But firstly, here are photos what the houses and structures that are inside of these walls. People who work for the Cathedral in one capacity or another live or work in these buildings: (Spindrift, please do add more information about the photos if you like):
Spindrift says - hearsay has it that this house is haunted. The terrifying ghost of a monk is said to emerge from this house, walk towards the cathedral and then merge into the walls and disappear from view. As the gates of the surrounding cathedral wall are closed at 10pm every night, you would have to be living in the Close to have a chance to check out these appearances.
Before the Reformation this area comprised the Cloisters which were in use by the Benedictine monks who were part and parcel of the cathedral. Henry V111 ordered the destruction of churches and monasteries so the cloisters were pulled down. You can still see some of the ruins today although a garden has been planted in their stead.
There is a large District Crown Court in Winchester and this house is where visiting Judges live. It has its own large staff and attendent flunkies.
A book sale is held within these rooms:
In fact this is the Deanery where the Dean of Winchester Cathedral lives.
We go inside and see the remains of the original floor: This mosaic dates from Roman times. The Romans inhabited Winchester for several hundred years and laid out the formation of the town which still endures today.
The private college:
This is, in fact, the Pilgrims School where boys are privately educated from the ages of 8 - 12. This is the norm in England where boys then go to public school from 13 - 18 years. Public actually means 'private' in so far as these schools do not have any state funding and parents pay a small fortune to have their children privately educated. Prices vary according to the establishment but I think it costs in the region of £30,000 per annum to send your boy to Eton, one of the top English schools.
Being educated at one of these top schools invariably gives ones child a good start in life.
These are the doors where we exit:
and just outside:This is the ancient Tudor building which comprises the Music School at Pilgrims School. Pilgrims supplies both choristers and quiristers to the cathedral. These boys are chosen at a young age to sing in the choirs and because they work so hard and have less holidays because of duties to the church, they receive their education at a discounted price. They are dressed in red and white robes and sing Evensong in the cathedral most evenings. The quiristers 'belong' to Wincheser college and live in separate dwellings. These customs date back to ancient times and I do not fully understand them. Because I had a fair amount to do with the Pilgrims School I won a raffle prize and was given piano lessons for one year in this music school. This was a delightful experience.
The church in front just outside of the doors:
This tiny church is called St. Swithun upon Kingsgate. It is indeed built above one of the main ancient gates leading out of the previously walled city of Winchester. There were five such gates - Eastgate, Westgate, Kingsgate (I will think of the other two later). This church is still in use.
Part of the huge ancient stone wall that surrounds the Cathedral:
I am not sure of when this very high flintstone wall was constructed around most of the cathedral. It was certainly put in place to guard and protect the inhabitants living inside the Cathedral Close - these would have been Church officials, the Dean and various people connected to the cathedral. I think it was built in the 14th century. There are two gates in this wall, both wooden. There is a main gate where cars can drive in, although as is said above, it is locked every night at 10pm. Built into this old gate is a small gate that is used by pedestrians coming home late at night! and they have a special key.
We walk down the street:
Jane Austen's last home:
Jane actually lived with her brother who had an estate some miles from Winchester but in the last days of her illness she moved into this house so that a doctor could have easy access to her. She had only days to live and is buried inside the Cathedral.
This is a picture of the well-known (and much lauded) Winchester College which was founded in the 14th century. Winchester College is known for its scholars and, indeed, it is difficult for even a clever boy to gain a place within its hallowed walls. Only the best are picked. It could be said that Winchester College is on a par with Westminster College in London in terms of competition of the cleverest.
And what remains of Wolvesey Castle:
Wolvesley Castle is the seat of the Bishops of Winchester from time immemorial. The first ancient castle has long since fallen down and the newer Bishop's 'palace' has been built alongside it. The Pilgrims' School has its playing fields alongside. Many a glorious sports day has been held there!
Next to the remains of the ancient Wolvesey Castle:
Back within the Cathedral grounds:
And just inside the area behind the bars:
And so concludes our walk around Winchester Cathedral on that sunny Spring day.