Tuesday 31 August 2021

The Hospital Of St Cross

 Having pottered around the city of Winchester itself I then decided to go on a walk along a Victorian railway viaduct. I had a leaflet for this walk, with a map. But I still took a wrong turn and instead walked through water meadows and found 1 12th century monastery. Yes I can get lost in both space and time. Maybe I should apply to be the next Dr Who?

Anyway, it was a nice walk and no hardship.








So this is the Hospital of St Cross, founded in 1132. Winchester really is seriously old!
























The clear waters of the River Itchen






More of Winchester

According to my guide book, Winchester Museum was free entry. Well it is now £6 with entry to the other museum, the Westgate, and there isn't an enormous amount to see. Best part of the City Museum are the mosaics, for Winchester, as Venta Belgarum, was the fifth largest town in Roman Britain.












This is the interior of St Lawrence Church. It has almost no exterior appearance as entry is now covered in shops, but it is actually a Norman church.

An Elizabeth Frink statue adding a 20th century modern twist to the city.



Jane Austen's House




The other "half" of the City's museum is here, at the Westgate, dating from 1240.



Inside is basically just one room, largely given over to interactive dressing up for kids.

But you can climb to the roof for some views






These are the old law courts

And this is the Great Hall, which is a 13th century Medieval aisled hall, once part of the now demolished Winchester Castle complex. The circular feature at the end here is King Arthur's round table. Not of course a genuine possession of the legendary king but a 13th century construct later repainted under the orders of King Henry VIII.





















This is all else that remains of the castle - foundations to a tower.




 These are the new law courts, not exactly a worthy addition to the City's architecture unless you a re a concrete fan.



Almshouses
The Mill, a national trust property


Abbey Gardens






King Arthur's statue


Now to you this might look a pile of rocks. But in fact it is the only fragment left of the original Roman city walls. (You have to use your imagination sometimes....)