Winchester Tourist Information
Other Attractions and Places to Visit
Abbey House and Gardens are beside the Guildhall and are a delightful oasis just off the High Street. The house now serves as the Mayor's official residence. St Mary's Abbey once stood where the gardens are today and formed part of one of the largest religious houses in England; part of the original abbey can be seen at the back of the Guildhall. The abbey was founded by King Alfred’s wife, Queen Ealswith. Abbey Mill river runs through the park and flows under the Abbey Mill. You can cross the stream under the Classical Portico. The mill is now used as City Council as offices.
The library is in Jewry Street and was designed by Owen B Carter and is said to copy Indigo Jones’s Church of St Paul in Covent Garden. The Library site lies within the late Saxon burh and the medieval town. Jewry Street (Scowertenestret), Staple Gardens (Brudenestret) and Tower Street (Snidelingestret) are probably 9th century in origin and formed part of the Alfredian street grid. They remained throughout the medieval period.It was built in 1838 as the city's Corn Exchange and was used as such for most of the century. Since the turn of the century the building was used at various times as a dining hall, a roller skating rink, and a sports hall. From 1915 to 1917 it was used as a theatre, and then a cinema. It then became a dance before being converted back to a cinema. It has been the public library since 1936. I hope it stays this way, as the building is one I like very much.
The City Cross (or Buttercross as it is often called) is found in the High Street. It has been in its present site since around the 15th century. It was once used by countrymen to sell produce, hence the name Butter Cross. In 1770 it was sold off by the Paving Commissioners to a Mr Dummer. When he tried to remove it, the citizens of Winchester organized a small riot and preserved the monument for the City. The cross is a popular meeting place for the youth of the city.
Winchester is fortunate to have the Theatre Royal. It stages many plays, comedies and exhibitions throughout the year. It is located on Jewry Street. To find out contact information, what's on and other goings on at the theatre, visit their web site http://www.theatre-royal-winchester.co.uk.
Back to main Attractions page