n 1070 Stigand, the Saxon bishop, was replaced by Walkelin a Norman. The existing building was demolished to make way for a new Cathedral. The importance of area on which the Cathedral is built went back a long way. In 635 Cynegils, the king of West Saxon was baptised as part of Christianity coming to Saxon England. In 899, Alfred the Great was buried in the Old Minster (one of the earlier buildings) and then moved to the New Minster that was built to the north of it. The Saxon church remained standing until the Norman Cathedral was completed by Easter of 1093. Much of the Cathedral built by Walkelin has been altered over the years. The central tower collapsed in 1107, blamed on the fact that William Rufus had been buried beneath it seven years earlier, and it was completely rebuilt. The legend of St. Swithun could be based on the fact that as his body was moved from the site in the Old Minster to a more splendid position, a violent storm occurred. Whether it did rain for 40 days is not known. Winchester is the longest cathedral in Europe with a length of 556 feet. The main work on the cathedral was performed by two bishops, William of Wykeham (1367-1404) and Henry Beaufort, Cardinal-Bishop of Winchester (1405-47). William Wynford was the main architect under Wykeham.Cathedral
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Winchester Cathedral
| County | Categories | ||
| Remains | Excellent remains | Access | Only open at certain times |
| Location | 51.0606842,-1.313381 (Google Maps) ///perfected.extremely.observer | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
| Remains |
Excellent remains |
| Access |
Only open at certain times |
| Location |
| 51.0606842,-1.313381 ///perfected.extremely.observer |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
n 1070 Stigand, the Saxon bishop, was replaced by Walkelin a Norman. The existing building was demolished to make way for a new Cathedral. The importance of area on which the Cathedral is built went back a long way. In 635 Cynegils, the king of West Saxon was baptised as part of Christianity coming to Saxon England. In 899, Alfred the Great was buried in the Old Minster (one of the earlier buildings) and then moved to the New Minster that was built to the north of it. The Saxon church remained standing until the Norman Cathedral was completed by Easter of 1093. Much of the Cathedral built by Walkelin has been altered over the years. The central tower collapsed in 1107, blamed on the fact that William Rufus had been buried beneath it seven years earlier, and it was completely rebuilt. The legend of St. Swithun could be based on the fact that as his body was moved from the site in the Old Minster to a more splendid position, a violent storm occurred. Whether it did rain for 40 days is not known. Winchester is the longest cathedral in Europe with a length of 556 feet. The main work on the cathedral was performed by two bishops, William of Wykeham (1367-1404) and Henry Beaufort, Cardinal-Bishop of Winchester (1405-47). William Wynford was the main architect under Wykeham.Location
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Viking Invasions (click here)
Viking Invasions (click here)
The Second Barons' War (click here)
The Second Barons' War (click here)
Dimensions of main church
Timeline
964
...
Benedictines at Winchester
At the bidding of St. Dunstan and as part of the reform of monastic like in England, Benedictine monks moved from the Abbey of Abingdon to Winchester. Work began on a new Saxon church on the site.
994
Winter
Trygvasson converted to Christianity
Through the Winter months Aethelred provided the Vikings with lodgings and £16,000 in cash to stop the raids on his land. Aethelred was also the sponsor at the baptism of Olaf Trygvasson. Olaf was given instruction from the Aelfheah Bishop of Winchester. ¹
1079
(to 1093)
Winchester Cathedral crypt
Construction work began on the crypt and transepts of Winchester Cathedral. This continued until 1093. ¹
1100
August
William buried at Winchester
William Rufus was buried under the tower of Winchester Cathedral. The tower fell down either in 1101 or 1107. The cause was blamed on the wickedness of the King's bones but was probably due to poor construction or uncertain foundations.
1108
(to 1120)
Winchester Cathedral tower
Construction work began on the tower of Winchester Cathedral and building continued until 1120. ¹
1172
August 28
The Young King is crowned
At a ceremony at Winchester Cathedral Henry, the Young King, and his wife Margaret were both crowned. ¹
1194
April 17
The 'Crown Wearing'
The Crown Wearing. Richard took part in a precession to Winchester Cathedral. The king wore a golden crown and was followed by notables from the Church and State. The previous Crown Wearing was in 1158. ¹
1202
(to 1235)
Winchester Cathedral Retrochoir and Lady Chapel
Construction work began on the retrochoir, the area to the east of the presbytery, and the Lady Chapel of Winchester Cathedral. Work continued until 1235. ¹
1219
...
William Marshal dies
William Marshal is succeeded by Peter de Roches, Bishop of Winchester and Hubert de Burgh who was Justiciary.
1232
...
Peter des Rievaulx becomes treasurer
Peter des Rievaulx, the nephew of the Peter des Roches, Bishop of Winchester, is made treasurer of the King Henry III's household and keeper of the king's wardrobe. This moved him into an extremely important position for controlling the king's affairs. ¹
1265
Summer
Armies march
Simon's son was sent to London to raise money and troops. He diverted back through Winchester which was loyal to the king and then moved through Oxford and Northampton. Edward (I) moved from Worcester to Bridgnorth destroying bridges and means of allowing Simon who was on the Welsh side of the Avon from crossing back. The people of Bristol, friendly to Simon's cause sent ships to Newport to help Simon cross, but they were intercepted and destroyed by Edward. ¹
1360
...
Winchester Cathedral West Front
Work began on the West Front of Winchester Cathedral. Extra work was carried out on the North and South aisles ¹
1394
...
Winchester Cathedral rebuilding work
Work began on converting the Norman front and nave of Winchester Cathedral to the Perpendicular style by the Bishop of Winchester, William of Wykeham.
1404
September 27
Death of William of Wykeham
William of Wykeham the Bishop of Winchester died in this year. He was replaced by Henry Beaufort. ¹
1490
(to 1500)
Winchester Cathedral Lady Chapel
Work was carried out on the Lady Chapel of Winchester Cathedral. ¹
1554
July 25
Marriage of Queen Mary of England and Philip II of Spain
The marriage of Queen Mary of England and Philip of Spain took place. The marriage was conducted at Winchester Cathedral.
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