Winchester: England's Ancient Capital Where Alfred the Great Once Held Court
Winchester was the capital of England before London took over. Alfred the Great ruled Wessex from here in the 9th century, and the city remained the seat of power through the Norman period. William the Conqueror was crowned in both Westminster and Winchester, hedging his bets. The population today is around 45,000. Winchester Cathedral, begun in 1079, has the longest nave of any Gothic cathedral in Europe and holds the bones of several Saxon kings in painted mortuary chests above the presbytery. Jane Austen died at a house on College Street in 1817 and is buried in the cathedral's north aisle. Winchester College, founded in 1382 by William of Wykeham, is one of the oldest public schools in England and still occupies its original medieval buildings.
The city sits in the valley of the River Itchen, surrounded by chalk downland. The High Street runs from the Westgate, a medieval gatehouse, down to the City Bridge at the eastern end. The Brooks Shopping Centre handles modern retail, but the independent shops along the side streets are what give Winchester its character. The economy relies on education, public administration (Hampshire County Council is based here), the military (several barracks and MOD establishments are nearby), and tourism. Winchester station is 59 minutes from London Waterloo on South Western Railway. The M3 passes east of the city. For those exploring adult companionship in Hampshire, Winchester's central position in the county makes it well connected to Southampton, Basingstoke, and the wider south.
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Winchester was the capital of England before London took over. Alfred the Great ruled Wessex from here in the 9th century, and the city remained the seat of power through the Norman period. William the Conqueror was crowned in both Westminster and Winchester, hedging his bets. The population today is around 45,000. Winchester Cathedral, begun in 1079, has the longest nave of any Gothic cathedral in Europe and holds the bones of several Saxon kings in painted mortuary chests above the presbytery. Jane Austen died at a house on College Street in 1817 and is buried in the cathedral's north aisle. Winchester College, founded in 1382 by William of Wykeham, is one of the oldest public schools in England and still occupies its original medieval buildings.
The city sits in the valley of the River Itchen, surrounded by chalk downland. The High Street runs from the Westgate, a medieval gatehouse, down to the City Bridge at the eastern end. The Brooks Shopping Centre handles modern retail, but the independent shops along the side streets are what give Winchester its character. The economy relies on education, public administration (Hampshire County Council is based here), the military (several barracks and MOD establishments are nearby), and tourism. Winchester station is 59 minutes from London Waterloo on South Western Railway. The M3 passes east of the city. For those exploring adult companionship in Hampshire, Winchester's central position in the county makes it well connected to Southampton, Basingstoke, and the wider south.
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