Last Friday I met up with my brother in Winchester. We could only meet for a short time, but as it was pouring down with rain we decided to visit the Cathedral. There was much to see and we didn't manage to see everything. Here are a few of the highlights.
There has been a church here since the 7th century but it was only after the Normans invaded in 1066 that this became a large Cathedral. The new cathedral was consecrated in 1093 and now has one of the longest medieval naves in Europe.. William the Conqueror's son was buried here in 1100.
The novelist, Jane Austin was only 41 when she died in 1817 and was buried here. The inscription refers to her virtues but makes no mention of her being a writer. It was not until after her death that her books became very popular.
This is the baptismal font. It was brought from Tournai in Belgium in the 12th century. It is made from dark, polished stone and has carvings of the miracles of St Nicholas.
The Norman arches in the earliest part of the building
This is a 15th century stone screen behind the main altar. Its painted statues were destroyed in the reformation.
The oak choir stalls are early 14th century and are decorated with human figures and carved animals.
The oak choir stalls are early 14th century and are decorated with human figures and carved animals.
A nice place to spend sheltering from the rain.
ReplyDeletechurch architecture always interests me - great place to escape the rain
ReplyDeleteIt looks very English except in the last photo with some welcome colour.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful views of the cathedral. Amazing details! Great collection of photos. Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great week ahead!
This is a 15th century stone screen behind the main altar must have been spectacular before the Reformation. Even after the Catholic painted statues were removed, it is still an incredible screen. Thankfully the oak choir stalls and their decorations were not destroyed.
ReplyDeleteSuch ancient beauty. I love all your pictures. Thank you for sharing them with me.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photography of Winchester Cathedral ~ ^_^
ReplyDeleteLive each moment with love,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
That is a beautiful spot. Did you sit down and enjoy the atmosphere together? I have tow brothers and three sisters. Don't know when I'll see them again. We had to cancel our planned trip to Buffalo to see the other daughter and family. Covid restrictions for NY State preclude our coming now. Numbers are rising even here in NH despite the precautions.
ReplyDeleteNow that is a place I do want to visit for my Blog, looks superb
ReplyDeleteThat is one huge baptismal font - I haven't seen one that big. Wish we had that level of history here.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place!
ReplyDeleteMajestic Cathedral. I could stare at that ceiling all day, but then I would have a stiff neck. The year 1066 seems to be very significant in English history. It pops up from time to time in history books and accounts. If I'm going to visit Winchester, it would be for Jane Austen as I'm a fan. I hope I can visit England (again) one more time before this world suffers another very weird phenomenon.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a building! I enjoyed your photos of this fabulous cathedral.
ReplyDeleteWow - it's magnificent!
ReplyDeleteMy mind boggles at those dates. It is amazing how the structures are still standing. I wonder if today's buildings will last so long. I doubt it.
ReplyDeleteAwe inspiring ...the beauty, architecture and the history all.
ReplyDeleteA very nice and interesting place to visit.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan