Winchester in Hampshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The Fortification of Wolvesey
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 2, 2024
1. The Fortification of Wolvesey Marker
In 1141, King Stephen was captured by Matilda's forces. Henry deserted his brother, welcoming the empress to Winchester and preparing to consecrate her as queen. However, he was soon alienated by her attitude and returned to his brother's cause.
With the help of Stephen's other supporters, Henry laid siege to Winchester, with Matilda trapped inside. Accounts of the siege are confusing, but Wolvesey certainly played its part. At the height of the fighting. Bishop Henry's defenders rained down fire on the town, destroying part of the city. The empress was defeated and Stephen was restored to the throne.
Bishop Henry had betrayed both sides in the conflict. Possibly because of his insecure position in the years following the siege, he fortified his palace, erecting the large square tower to your left and the massive Wymond's Tower in front of you. Henry seems to have been attempting to restore his reputation
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Wymond's Tower was originally built as a latrine, but at the time of the siege or just afterwards (c.1141-54), it was encased in solid stone to form a stronghold. Some of this later casing (1) has fallen away to expose the earlier smaller tower (2). Also visible are the chambers which gave access to arrowloops (3) in the wall, where defenders could fire down on any attackers.
Erected by English Heritage.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Forts and Castles • Wars, Non-US. A significant historical year for this entry is 1141.
Location. 51° 3.54′ N, 1° 18.595′ W. Marker is in Winchester, England, in Hampshire. It can be reached from East Links. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15 East Links, Winchester, England SO23, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 2, 2024
2. Wolvesey Castle
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: An Audience with the Bishop (here, next to this marker); A Travelling Lifestyle (within shouting distance of this marker); The Home of Bishop Henry (within shouting distance of this marker); The Treasury (within shouting distance of this marker); Wolvesey Castle (within shouting distance of this marker); Woodman's Gate (within shouting distance of this marker); The Early Palace and the West Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Medieval Plumbing (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winchester.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2024, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 147 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 11, 2024, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
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