Medieval Winchester
The 5th, 6th and 7th century AD marked the Dark Ages, although these years were to take a special place in the history of Winchester.
King Arthur and Camelot
It was during this period that the legendary King Arthur was said to have ruled. Arthurian legend is well-known around the world these days and some still believe that Winchester may have been the original Camelot from these famous tales. Even today King Arthur is still associated with the city and you can see the Round Table hanging in the Great Hall at the top of the High Street.
Alfred the Great
During Saxon times, the arrival of Christianity in Winchester (in 635 AD) saw the beginning of many changes for the city and the country as a whole. These included the building of Winchester's first Christian church of worship (Old Minster in 648 AD).
In the 9th century AD King Alfred was crowned and made Winchester is capital. Alfred the Great still has a large association with Winchester to this day and you can see a statue in his honour on the Broadway (at the bottom end of the High Street).
One adviser to this legendary King was Bishop Swithun, who was buried in the city in 861 AD. When the Old Minster was expanded in 971 AD, Bishop Swithun's grave was opened. According to legend, it rained continuously for 40 days after this event. This legend has stayed with us and it's still said that, if it rains on St Swithun's Day, it will rain non-stop for 40 days after. Although some visitors may think that's usual for a British summer!
Norman Conquest
Most schoolchildren in the UK are taught about the Norman Conquest of 1066 AD, popularised by stories of the Battle of Hastings, still familiar to us thanks to the Bayeux Tapestry.
When William the Conqueror was crowned William I of England he decided to extend the existing Saxon palace in Winchester and to build his own Castle. 1079 AD marked the start of building the current Norman Cathedral, while the city was also the location for the compilation of the Domesday Book.
Winchester Bible
We move into the Middle Ages in our lightning fast tour of Winchester's history, with the creation of the illuminated Winchester Bible in 1160 AD. In 1207 AD King Henry III of England was born in Winchester and was baptised in the Cathedral. To future generations he is widely known as Henry of Winchester.
He ordered the modernising of the Castle, which included the building of the Great Hall (which can still be visited). It's estimated that the Round Table (which still hangs in the Great Hall) was also built during the 13th century.
Visiting Winchester, Places to Stay in Winchester, Eating in Winchester, Medieval Winchester, Winchester in the Middle Ages, Victorian Winchester
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