Winchester in Hampshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

The Norman Cathedral

Winchester Cathedral

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 2, 2024

1. The Norman Cathedral Marker

Inscription. Winchester underwent dramatic change with the Norman Conquest. William the Conqueror ordered the construction of castle in the southwest corner of the walled city and rebuilt and enlarged the royal palace in front of the Old and New Minsters. In 1110 the monks of New Minster moved into the newly built abbey of Hyde, outside the North Gate. In the run-up to the civil war between Stephen and Matilda. Bishop Henry of Blois fortified both the bishop's palace at Wolvesey and the former royal palace by the cathedral giving Winchester a total of three castles by 1141.

But it was the new Norman cathedral which was to become Winchesters most famous landmark. Begun by Bishop Walkelin in 1079, the east end and transepts were ready in 1093 to receive the relics of St Swithin and the remains of Anglo-Saxon kings and bishops. Old Minster was then demolished and the nave the new cathedral extended across part of its site and completed about 1127. The new Norman cathedral still stands, changed by time, but serving still the same purpose as its predecessor 1400 years ago, to glorify God and to welcome pilgrims.

Topics. This historical

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marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1079 CE.

Location. 51° 3.673′ N, 1° 18.852′ W. Marker is in Winchester, England, in Hampshire. It is on no nearby street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Winchester, England SO23 9ES, 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 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: Anglo-Saxon Winchester: The Royal City (here, next to this marker); The Growth of Old Minster (here, next to this marker); Old Minster (here, next to this marker); King's Royal Rifle Corps War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Morley College (within shouting distance of this marker); William Walker (within shouting distance of this marker); 5 & 6, The Square (about 90 meters away, measured

Winchester Cathedral image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 2, 2024

2. Winchester Cathedral

in a direct line); Lady Lisle (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winchester.

courtesy of University of Michigan Art, Architecture and Engineering Library, circa 1900

3. Winchester Cathedral

Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2024, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 119 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 5, 2024, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on August 5, 2024. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.