Winchester Cathedral

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Winchester Cathedral in Winchester, Hampshire is one of the largest cathedrals in England. The earliest part of the present cathedral building is the crypt, which dates from the early 12th century. The squat, square central tower was begun in 1202, and has an indisputably Norman look to it. Work continued on the cathedral during the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, and restoration work was carried out by T.G. Jackson during the years 1905–1912. The cathedral is dedicated to the Holy Trinity, Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

Related Topics:
Winchester - Hampshire - Cathedral - England - Crypt - 12th century - 1202 - Norman - 14th - 15th - 16th - 1905 - 1912 - Holy Trinity - Saint Peter - Saint Paul

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The cathedral is part of a former monastic settlement, originally founded in 642. The Benedictine foundation, the Priory of St Swithun, was dissolved in 1539.

Related Topics:
642 - Benedictine - Dissolved - 1539

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Boxes said to contain the remains of Saxon kings, and dating (allegedly) from before the founding of the cathedral, have been housed in the cathedral for centuries. The cathedral also contains a shrine to Saint Swithun, a 9th century bishop, and the burial site of Alfred the Great.

Related Topics:
Saxon - Saint Swithun - 9th century - Bishop - Alfred the Great

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William II of England (son of William I, "the Conqueror") was buried in the cathedral on August 11 1100, after he was killed in a hunting accident in nearby New Forest.

Related Topics:
William II of England - William I - August 11 - 1100 - New Forest

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Nowadays the cathedral draws many tourists as a result of its association with Jane Austen, who died in the city and is buried in the cathedral's north aisle of the nave. The original 19th century marker gave reluctant praise for her writing ability. Much later a more descriptive marker about Austen's talent was placed on a nearby wall.

Related Topics:
Jane Austen - Aisle - Nave - 19th century

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At the beginning of the 20th century, some waterlogged foundations on the south and east walls were reinforced by a diver, William Walker, packing the foundations with more than 25,000 bags of concrete, 115,000 concrete blocks and 900,000 bricks. He worked six hours a day from 1906 to 1912 in total darkness at depths up to 6 m, and is credited with saving the cathedral from total collapse. For his troubles he was awarded the MVO.

Related Topics:
20th century - William Walker - 1906 - 1912 - M - MVO

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The crypt, which frequently floods, features a statue by Anthony Gormley, called "Sound II", installed in 1986.

Related Topics:
Anthony Gormley - 1986

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