Following on from yesterday's post, here is God Begot House from the front, it's one of the most well known landmarks in Winchester. The building was a hotel in 1866 until 1970. The front has been restored and is not as old as the rear.
Showing posts with label God Begot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God Begot. Show all posts
04 January 2011
03 January 2011
God Begot House
This is the rear of God Begot House. In 1012 the wife of Ethelred the Unready was given the Manor of Goudbeyete or as it is now known, God Begot. When she died, she willed it to the Prior and monks of St Swithun, with a very unusual clause, that it be toll and tax free forever and that no minister of the King could enter the house. Thus it became a safe refuge for any criminal and the city authorities had no power to enter, much to their annoyance! This lasted until Henry VIII abolished the monasteries. The present building dates from the 1462. The name God Begot is thought to mean Good Bargain rather than any religious meaning. The building is now Ask Pizza Restaurant.
02 January 2011
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.
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