Wolvesey Castle

These are part of the ruins of Wolvesey Castle which was once the palace of the Bishops of Winchester. There has been a bishop's residence here for over 1000 years. The extensive surviving ruins of the palace date largely from the 12th-century work of Bishop Henry of Blois. The palace was demolished in 1680 after it was destroyed by the roundheads in the English Civil War and was rebuilt, and demolished again in 1786. The original old chapel still remains which you can see just behind the ruins and to the rear of it the east wing which is where the current Bishop of Winchester lives.

Stained Glass Window

One of the first things you see on entering the Cathedral is the beautiful stained glass window. On closer inspection of the glass you notice that the stained glass does not form any particular picture, the windows although very pretty just appear to be a mosaic of colours

There is a reason for this - The original panes were destroyed by Oliver Cromwell's forces following the English Civil War in 1642, broken with the bones of old kings as mentioned in another post! The broken glass was kept though and in 1660 after the restoration of the monarchy the stained glass was re-assembled randomly, as we see here today.

Tudor House

This building is in St John's Street, it's a 16th Century Tudor House. It was once used as a barracks for Cromwell's men during the English Civil War, this elegant half timbered building is now two separate private dwellings.

The Great Screen

As mentioned in yesterday's post Winchester Cathedral suffered damage during the English Civil War and here is another part of it that had to be replaced - The Great Screen. It was originally erected with the aid of funds left by Cardinal Henry Beaufort, Bishop of Winchester. Work began in 1455 and continued for the next twenty years.

Unfortunately the originals were all destroyed by Oliver Cromwell's soldiers during the English Civil War in the 17th Century and the present figures are 19th century replacements - hence the screen includes Queen Victoria. The screen contains figures of 4 archangels, 28 Saints, 13 Bishops of Winchester, 6 King, 3 Queens, and 3 others with links to Winchester.

E is for English Civil War

The English Civil War (1641-1651) brought destruction to Winchester, with the city initally supporting the King (Charles I). Winchester Cathedral did not remain unscathed. Within the Cathedral are 6 wooden mortuary chests which contain the remains of some of the earliest Saxon Kings. They are the oldest royal bones in England. Names that you might recognise include King Canute who tried to hold back the sea, King Ethelwulf father of Alfred the Great and the oldest of all King Cynegils (reigned from 611-43) the 1st Christian King of Wessex.

Unfortunately no-one knows who is in which chest as in 1642 during the English Civil War Oliver Cromwell's soldiers broke open the chests and scattered the bones on the cathedral floor. They then used the bigger bones to smash the stained glass windows of the cathedral. The bones were later (around 1661) returned to the chests.

For more 'E' Photos go to ABC Wednesday

Royal Oak Passage

On the right is The Royal Oak pub, the oldest pub in Winchester and supposedly the oldest licensed bar in England. First used to brew beer over 1000 years ago, a pub has stood on this site since 1390. The present day pub was built in 1630 and it became known as the Royal Oak during the English Civil War. On the left is God Begot House.

The Great Hall

The Great Hall is the only remaining part above ground of Winchester Castle. The original Winchester Caste was built by William the Conqueror (1066). In 1222 the original buildings were replaced by the buildings that stand today. During the English Civil War the castle was held by the Royalists until its capture in 1646. Oliver Cromwell then ordered the Castle to be demolished but the Great Hall was kept.

Wolvesey

There has been a bishop's residence at Wolvesey for over 900 years, beginning in the 10th century when St Aethelwold built a Saxon Bishop's Palace on this site. A new palace was built in 1110 and was added to over that century. In 1680 it was demolished after it was destroyed by the roundheads in the English Civil War and was rebuilt. The original old chapel was kept which we see to the right of the photo. In 1786 the palace was once again demolished and what remains today are the ruins (known as Wolvesey Castle) and the west wing (what you see in the photo).

The current Bishop of Winchester is Right Reverend Michael Scott-Joynt and this is where he lives, until sometime next year when he retires