Winchester Castle

Winchester Castle, a historical gem nestled in the heart of Winchester, Hampshire, England, is a splendid testament to the medieval era. Founded in 1067, the castle has witnessed centuries of history, from the reign of the Norman Kings to the tumultuous events of the English Civil War. Today, only the Great Hall remains, standing as a proud relic of the past and housing a museum that delves into the rich history of Winchester.

The Early History of Winchester Castle

The origins of Winchester Castle can be traced back to around AD 70, when the Romans constructed a massive earth rampart, 800 feet long and 200 feet wide. On top of this rampart, they built a fort to protect the city of Venta Belgarum. This strategic site was later chosen by William the Conqueror as the location for one of the first Norman castles in England. The castle, built in 1067, served as the seat of government for the Norman Kings for over a hundred years.

Henry II, recognizing the importance of the castle, constructed a stone keep to house the royal treasury and the Domesday Book. A round tower from the original castle, complete with sally ports, is still visible today. The castle also played a significant role during The Anarchy in 1141, when the forces of the Empress Matilda were besieged by King Stephen's forces in what is known as the Rout of Winchester.

Building the Great Hall

Between 1222 and 1235, Henry III, who was born at Winchester Castle, added the Great Hall. This magnificent structure was built to a double cube design, measuring 110 feet by 55 feet by 55 feet. Constructed of flint with stone dressings, the Great Hall originally had lower walls and a roof with dormer windows. These were later replaced with tall two-light windows featuring early plate tracery.

The Great Hall is a Grade I listed building and houses several notable features. Among them is the Arthurian Round Table, constructed in the 13th century and repainted in its present form for Henry VIII. The table's edge is adorned with the names of King Arthur's knights, and the portrait of King Arthur is a recognizable depiction of the young Henry VIII. The Winchester Panels, a series of pictorial epigrams illuminated in medieval monastic style, also hang in the Great Hall. These panels are thought to depict the 25 knights of the Round Table and illustrate the challenges faced by a maturing character as it progresses around the great Wheel of Life.

Later History of Winchester Castle

In 1302, a dramatic event unfolded when Edward I and his second wife, Margaret of France, narrowly escaped death as the royal apartments were destroyed by fire. The castle continued to be an important residence, and on 19 March 1330, Edmund of Woodstock, 1st Earl of Kent, was beheaded outside the castle walls during the Despenser plot against King Edward III. The castle's significance persisted, and on 10 April 1472, Margaret of York, daughter of King Edward IV, was born there.

Winchester Castle also played a role in the religious turbulence of the 16th century. In 1580, the nun Elizabeth Sander was imprisoned here with other Catholics. She escaped but returned to demonstrate that Catholics were law-abiding citizens. After Elizabeth I ascended the throne in 1558, the castle ceased to be a royal residence and was handed over to Winchester's city authorities.

One of the most notable trials held at the castle was that of Sir Walter Raleigh on 17 November 1603, for his supposed part in the Main Plot. The castle was later used by the Royalists during the English Civil War but eventually fell to the Parliamentarians in 1646. It was subsequently demolished on Oliver Cromwell's orders in 1649.

In the late 17th century, Charles II commissioned Christopher Wren to design a royal palace adjoining the castle site, intended to rival the Palace of Versailles. However, the project was abandoned by James II. The Great Hall also witnessed the Bloody Assizes led by Judge Jeffreys on 27 August 1685, following the Monmouth Rebellion. Among the accused was Alice Lisle, who was condemned to death for harboring fugitives.

Modern-Day Winchester Castle

Today, Castle Hill, located nearby, serves as the location of the Council Chamber for Hampshire County Council and the Winchester Register Office. The Great Hall continued to be the home of the Winchester Assizes until 1974, when the Winchester Law Courts were erected. Notable trials held in the Great Hall include the 1954 trial of Edward Montagu, Michael Pitt-Rivers, and Peter Wildeblood for homosexual indecency, and the 1973 trial of six members of the Provisional IRA for the Old Bailey bombing.

Behind the Great Hall, visitors can explore Queen Eleanor's Garden, a medieval-style garden created in 1986. The garden offers a tranquil escape and a glimpse into medieval horticultural practices.

Winchester Castle, with its storied past and architectural splendor, remains a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike. Its walls echo the tales of centuries gone by, making it a captivating landmark in the heart of Winchester.