Features
Winchester Cathedral
IT'S a landmark and a view I've enjoyed many, many times. But, I'm rather ashamed to say, I had never stepped foot inside stunning Winchester Cathedral before.
A rainy day in Winchester with visitors to Hampshire was the perfect time to put that right.
Admission is £5 for adults and an extra fiver gives you access to the tower and a rather special view of the city.
This cathedral church, so named because it houses the throne or cathedra of the Bishop of Winchester, has its origins in the seventh century, when a Christian church was first built on the site.
Since then it has played a fundamental part in the life of this ancient city, and an important role in the history of the nation.
This really is a fascinating look at a significant historical and religious site.
Winchester Cathedral houses the tomb of Jane Austen, one of several famous women associated with the building, who lodged in nearby College Street.
The most memorable fixture for me is the tribute to William Walker, the diver who saved Winchester Cathedral.
In 1905, several cracks appeared in the south and east sides of the church and it was feared that, in time, the building might collapse unless major underpinning of the foundations was carried out.
Already an extremely difficult task, it was made worse
because of high water levels
preventing access to the
11th-century timber rafts.
Walker was employed to work up to six hours a day, often in 20ft (6m) of water, and in total darkness for a period of some six years.
Certainly, if it hadn't been for William Walker's tireless dedication to the job in hand, the cathedral might have been lost forever.
The building is as spectacular inside as out with beautiful stained glass windows and incredibly intricate and detailed architecture.
A great gift shop, visitors' centre and refectory are also on the site.
Some fabulous events are taking place throughout the year, including a food fair with cooking demonstrations by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc, a concert featuring Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, and the ice rink from November.
Following our visit to the cathedral, there were plenty of other things to keep us occupied - despite the rain.
Winchester boasts high street and traditional shops aplenty and an array of fantastic gastronomic treats, plus there was the Winchester City Museum to continue our peek into history.
Where? Winchester Cathedral.
When? Open each day, but the cathedral can be reserved for special services and events on occasion so call ahead.
Why? Fascinating insight into history and religion.
How? By car to city centre car parks, train or park-and-ride.
Price: £5 admission.
Contact: Visit winchester-cathedral.org.uk, call 01962 857200 or e-mail cathedral.office@winchester-cathedral.org.uk
4:57pm Friday 4th April 2008
Print 
Email this 
Comment
What are these links for?
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
More on Digg
More on del.icio.us
More on Furl
More on reddit
More on NowPublic/
More on Yahoo!
