A Millennium of Worship
The origins of the Winchester Cathedral can be traced all the way back to 642 AD when the first Christian church was erected. The foundation of the existing cathedral was laid in 1079 under the rule of the Bishop Walkelin after the Norman Invasion. Consequently, it underwent various changes as the years passed to accommodate changing religious as well as architectural customs. Currently, the cathedral is among the largest in Europe, far longer than Notre-Dame in Paris, even.
Architecture That Tells a Story
Winchester Cathedral has a variety of architectural components that make it unique. The lower levels of this sacred edifice carry design features typical of the Norman style upon which it was built. Meanwhile, the sharp architraves of these arches with a ceiling that borders heaven are a 14th-century addition to the church. The unique architecture embellishes the church with tall and strong pillars and flexible marble vaults.
The building decor of such a size, when viewed, is such a vast space with intricate carvings mounted onto wood and stone is, in its majority, a compilation of history and art.
The Great Screen and Stained Glass
Built in the 15th century, the cathedral was furnished with a Great Screen. This structure is made of carvings, of statues of saints or kings. Once, the screen was also of bright colours, gilding was of another kind and thus present to be a witness of the medieval era. Largely reduced during the Reformation, the decorative elements have since given way to a stark and towering Triumph screen, yet the structural element underscores the Catholic origins of the original place of worship.
The Crypt and Hidden Treasures
Despite being one of the oldest portions of the cathedral, this does not imply that crypts were used to build the new structure, as the fact that it floods during certain times of the year almost works in favour of this mysterious atmosphere. Besides the decomposed Gormley sculpture, you may also find the very remains of bishops and even kings in the chamber, as well as markings and carvings by ancient pilgrims that are nearly a thousand years old.
Inside the rest of the cathedral, there are medieval tiles, an impressive inlaid 12th-century black stone baptismal font, and a peculiar library system that dates back to the 17th century when good books were kept in chains. In the cathedral, there is also a library of the Winchester Bible – the largest and finest surviving 12th-century English Bible that is located in a library that houses several priceless items, and is known as one of the most special items in the history of the place it belongs to.
Plan Your Visit
A tour of the cathedral, which is open seven days a week, includes a visit to the pipe organ, the crypt, the gallery and guided sightseeing. Be sure to take advantage of the children's corner, combined with the musallah zones and short-term special events.
Along with visiting the cathedral, you can explore such places as the Winchester Cathedral Close, including the historic streets of the city, and many Central Winchester delicacies, such as shops and cafes near tourist destinations. When you are organising your excursions, remember that there are the Winchester Cathedral grounds where you can go for a nice walk or add it to your list of what to do in Winchester for the day.
Summary
The Winchester Cathedral is a 12th-century Medieval edifice built in Winchester that is probably the most quintessential exemplar of English Medieval architecture. Built in Winchester. The original church, as well as the current structure, has an impressive history of nearly a thousand years. As featured in the Winchester Cultural Guide, this cathedral—second only to St Paul’s as the most famous in England—maintains a great worship and musical tradition with a very active life, offering worship on most days of the week. Services begin invariably with the singing of plainchant, in this case Gregorian Chant, by the clergy and educational institutions in the choir of the cathedral.