History on your doorstep
Gone are the days when people learned about history simply from reading books. People are increasingly wanting to bring history to life in an engaging way and nothing beats standing on the spot where history happened.
English Heritage offer an experience that will inspire and entertain people of all ages. Their vision is that people will experience the story of England where it really happened. They care for over 400 historic buildings, monuments and sites – several of those are located in and around Winchester. We’ve selected three of these sites that could provide you with a historic day out this Spring – and they are all FREE!
Wolvesey Castle
Wolvesey, standing a stone’s throw from Winchester Cathedral, was the main residence of the medieval Bishops of Winchester throughout the Middle Ages. The extensive remains date largely from the great 12th century palace of Bishop Henry of Blois, brother of King Stephen. Though ruinous, the buildings still evoke an impression of their former grandeur.
The Flowerdown Barrows
The Flowerdown Barrows are well-preserved Bronze Age burial mounds on the edge of the village of Littleton, just 3 miles north-west of Winchester. Constructed 4,000 years ago, they were once part of a much larger ‘barrow cemetery’.
Bishop’s Waltham Palace
13 miles south-east of Winchester stands the remains of the Bishop’s Waltham Palace, a grand residence dating back to the 12th century. Set within attractive grounds, the remains include an impressive three- storey tower and the fine windows of the great hall built by William of Wykeham, bishop from 1367 and founder of Winchester College.
