Winchester Hampshire
Located in the heart of Hampshire with
the River Itchen running through it, Winchester proudly
owns the title of being Hampshire’s county town. In
the past Winchester has played a vital role in British
history. Originally the Roman’s, who felt it necessary
to build Venta Bulgarum, a vast wall to protect the
region from the possibility of invading forces,
considered Winchester an area of great significance.
However, what really made Winchester famous was the
Saxon’s considering it the country’s capital when
King Alfred The Great made Winchester the capital of his
Wessex kingdom. The original city wall constructed by
the Romans can still be seen today in parts and was
later fortified by the addition of a medieval wall.
Winchester’s other great claims to
fame include the fact that the Domesday Book was written
there, Henry III was born there and John Keats wrote his
wonderful ‘Ode to Autumn’ inspired by a stroll
around the city. It was also home of the much respected
and powerful Bishops of Winchester who resided at the
impressive Wolvesey Castle.
Today Winchester is a thriving market
town best known and loved for its spectacular medieval
cathedral that never fails to impressive its many
visitors. It’s a city that is small enough to explore
on foot and the tourism office has plenty of recommended
scenic walks to guide you through the best sites the
city has to offer. The architectural splendour of
Winchester even includes the Tourist Information Centre
that is housed in the magnificent Guild Hall.
