Winchester Cathedral — Attraction in Winchester

Definitely the best place to visit in Winchester by a hell of a lot, and definitely one of the best cathedrals in the country. The history is incomparable and it's a perfect example of cathedral architecture through time, with everything from Romanesque to Perpendicular Gothic, and modern additions. When I visited it was school holidays, a little bit grey but with blue skies later, and not busy at all (I got pictures from one end to the other without any people in, very rare, even at around 11-12ish).

The nave roof is stunning, very similar to that at Norwich, and the west window is like a mosaic of old glass that although isn't perhaps as impressive as others gives off a beautifully clear light and reminds me of the Dean's Eye at Lincoln.

The transepts and the crypt are the oldest parts of the building, in their Norman big-bonedness. The crypt was flooded when I was there which I had been desperately hoping for (although it's probably not the best thing for the cathedral building) - it is amazing. I tried to take a (very cautious) step down from the top step of the main viewing platform and realised I couldn't because the water was only just lower than it - it was very high. But it's beautiful - the statue is reflected perfectly. I'd love to see it unflooded as well and take the crypt tour around to the other side.

The choir is lovely under the crossing, another beautiful ceiling with a helpful mirror to look up. I couldn't see any miserichords but I'm sure there were some - I did find a little finial with a funny looking guy on it who was pretty cool. The roof screen is one of the highlights - every little niche has it's own carved vault, many statues all life sized and with tiny details you can't even make out, and so many other little touches that make it an absolute masterpiece of Mediaeval and Victorian craftsmanship. The area behind is closed off but you can get around into the retrochoir with the tomb of St. Swithin which is lovely and some gorgeous chapels with lovely ceilings. There's a little section of ceiling between the end of the aisles and the retrochoir's first arch where it goes diagonal and the vault becomes really strange and wonky which I adore - a very inelegant solution to a problem that's created a beautiful little detail.

Another highlight was the Kings & Scribes exhibition - it's great to get up into the triforium without a tour. The bottom floor has the Winchester Bible which is very beautiful, the video explaining how they made it is probably not the best for some people (like vegans - it's written on calfskins) but is very interesting. There's a lot of effort put in there. Upstairs you can go inside the library where you can look, on a screen, inside some of the manuscripts, which have some graffiti and other cool little things. There's also a really interesting bit about the mortuary chests where they found the bones of ancient kings, and how they figured out who they are - they're unsure but they've put in a hell of a lot of effort - I watched most of the video on display which was interesting, and loved the interactive screens that went through the science of it. On the top floor there's windows through into the nave aisles' rooves, which are very dark but cool to see, a large balcony over the transept which offers stunning views of the crossing, an exhibition about the building of the cathedral, and another exhibition about the monks' lives which was also good. Loved the bit about the cathedral, and the views too.

The café and shop are also very good - had a lovely panini, good loos. here's also a statue outside the café of the diver who saved the cathedral - very much worth a read, and there's a pub named after him nearby. It's also worth going along the south side because you walk through the buttresses along the wall which makes for great pictures, especially in the golden hour.

So, I highly recommend a visit to Winchester Cathedral. It's simply wonderful. I'll have to come back to take a crypt tour, and the tower tour which I didn't take because I did one...

Review of Winchester Cathedral and the Coffins of the First Kings of England

Winchester Cathedral is a stunning Gothic cathedral in the city of Winchester, England. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe and is home to a wealth of history and culture.

One of the most popular attractions at Winchester Cathedral is the coffins of the first kings of England. These coffins are located in the choir of the cathedral and contain the remains of eight Anglo-Saxon and Norman kings:

Ecgberht, King of Wessex

Æthelwulf, King of Wessex

Eadred, King of the English

Eadwig, King of the English

Cnut the Great, King of England

Harthacnut, King of England

William II, King of England

The coffins are made of wood and are decorated with intricate carvings. They are a fascinating sight to see and offer a glimpse into the lives of these early English monarchs.

In addition to the coffins of the first kings of England, Winchester Cathedral is also home to a number of other important historical artifacts. These include the Winchester Bible, one of the finest surviving examples of Anglo-Saxon manuscript illumination, and the tomb of William the Conqueror.

The cathedral is also a beautiful place to simply wander around and admire the architecture. The choir is particularly impressive, with its soaring arches and stained glass windows.

Overall, I highly recommend visiting Winchester Cathedral. It is a truly unique and special place, with something to offer everyone.

Here are some additional thoughts on my own visit to Winchester Cathedral:

I was particularly impressed by the size and scale of the cathedral. It is truly a massive building, and the interior is even more awe-inspiring than the exterior.

I found the coffins of the first kings of England to be very moving. It was incredible to think that I was standing in the presence of the remains of some of the most important figures in English history.

I also enjoyed learning about the other historical artifacts housed in the cathedral, such as the Winchester Bible and the tomb of William the Conqueror.

Overall, I had a wonderful time visiting Winchester Cathedral. It is a must-see for anyone interested in English history or architecture.

I highly recommend Winchester Cathedral to anyone looking for a beautiful and inspiring place to visit. It is a truly unique and...

Winchester Cathedral is an astonishing monument to centuries of English history, a true architectural marvel. As the longest medieval cathedral in the world, its sheer scale is breathtaking, particularly the majestic Norman transepts and the soaring Perpendicular Gothic nave. This sacred site has witnessed countless historic events: it was built on the site of an earlier 7th-century Christian church, the Old Minster, and the current structure began in 1079. More than just Jane Austen's resting place, the cathedral is a veritable royal necropolis. It holds the remains of Anglo-Saxon kings like King Cnut (Canute) and his wife Emma of Normandy, along with the bones of early Wessex kings such as Egbert and Æthelwulf (grandfather and father of Alfred the Great), and even William II (Rufus), son of William the Conqueror. These royal remains, initially buried in the Old Minster, were later moved into distinctive mortuary chests within the new cathedral, a fascinating ongoing project seeks to identify the specific individuals in each chest. The cathedral's foundation, built on boggy ground, famously led to its near-collapse in the early 20th century, prompting the heroic efforts of deep-sea diver William Walker, who worked underwater for six years shoring up its foundations with concrete. It also boasts the Winchester Bible, a magnificent 12th-century Romanesque manuscript considered one of the finest English bibles from that era, adorned with vibrant hand-illustrations and gold leaf. While the history itself is captivating, the experience is truly elevated by the staff, the guides and volunteers on the ground are passionate and willing to share some secret stories of the cathedral. They don't just recite facts; they bring the cathedral's past to life with engaging anecdotes and a deep understanding of its significance. Whether it's pointing out an ancient carving or explaining the purpose of a particular chapel, their enthusiasm is infectious, transforming a visit into a truly memorable journey through time. You'll leave not just impressed by the architecture, but enriched by the human stories that fill this...