Winchester in Hampshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Early Medieval Plumbing
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 2, 2024
1. Early Medieval Plumbing Marker
Key to the water supply system was a substantial well-house in the central courtyard, located at the bottom of the steps behind you. When rebuilt by Henry in about 1130, consisted of a central stone trough inside a rectangular enclosure.
A pipe ran from this house towards the centre of the courtyard, where it probably fed an ornamental tank. The overflow from this tank was piped off and the southern courtyard where it fed a settling tank and another well-house.
It must have been to such works that Gerald the Welshman was referring when he wrote that Henry had built durus opum dicles, or 'complex aqueducts'.
The area to your left was the basement of latrine block which served the principal rooms of the west hall. The drains visible today emptied through two arches into the moat, which surrounded the palace.
Erected by English Heritage.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1130.
Location. 51° 3.559′ N,
this page online
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 in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Early Palace and the West Hall (here, next to this marker); Woodman's Gate (a few steps from this marker); The Treasury (a few steps from this marker); A Travelling Lifestyle (within shouting distance of this marker); An Audience with the Bishop (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fortification of Wolvesey (within shouting distance of this marker); The Home of Bishop Henry (within shouting distance of this marker); Wolvesey Castle (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 2, 2024
2. Wolvesey Castle
Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2024, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 126 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 29, 2024, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. photo of the marker within its surroundings • Can you help?
