Winchester in Hampshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
William Walker
Photographed By Stephen Palmer, January 14, 2024
1. William Walker Marker
The William Walker sits under the shadow of the 11th Century cathedral in the centre of Winchester. William Walker, himself a deep sea diver, was called in during the early 1900's as huge cracks started to appear in the cathedral walls.
Walker worked underground in water to shore up the foundations of the building for 6 years. It is estimated that some 25,000 bags of concrete, 115,000 concrete blocks, and 900,000 bricks were used in the operation. The swing sign is an actual divers helmet and is our Ode to the much famed man.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Churches & Religion • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.
Location. 51° 3.711′ N, 1° 18.829′ W. Marker is in Winchester, England, in Hampshire. Marker is on The Square, on the right when traveling west. Marker is on the William Walker pub opposite the grounds around Winchester Cathedral. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 34 The Square, Winchester, England SO23 9EX, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 5 & 6, The Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Lady Lisle (within shouting distance of this marker); King's Royal Rifle Corps War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); City Cross (Butter Cross)
this page online
Regarding William Walker. William Walker was an English diver famous for shoring up the southern and eastern sides of Winchester Cathedral.
Also see . . . .
Excerpt from Society of Architectural Historians' Blog - "From 1906, using his bare hands to feel his way through the blackish muddy waters, William Walker laboured below the cathedral in total darkness for six hours every day at depths up to 6 meters (20 ft) for about six years, shoring up the foundation with bags of concrete prepared by the other workers."(Submitted on February 3, 2024, by Stephen Palmer of Ascot, England.)
Photographed By Stephen Palmer, January 14, 2024
2. William Walker Marker
Photographed By Stephen Palmer, January 14, 2024
3. Winchester Cathedral as seen from the marker
Photographed By Stephen Palmer, January 14, 2024
4. Divers Helmet Pub Sign
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 3, 2024, by Stephen Palmer of Ascot, England. This page has been viewed 43 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 3, 2024, by Stephen Palmer of Ascot, England. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
