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Winchester - history.
Zuz2006-03-02 14:23:22
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The settlement of Winchester begins in about 150BC when a large defended enclosure was created on the western slopes of the modern city, in the area of Oram’s Arbour. Since that time, great kings and bishops have left lasting reminders of their presence. During Saxon times, Winchester was the capital of England – chosen by King Alfred (Alfred the Great) - and the city remained a Royal residence for centuries afterwards. Below is a brief chronology of Winchester through the ages to illustrate the importance it has played in history.
IRON AGE
150 BC Hill fort built on St Catherine's Hill.
150 BC Trading centre established on western side of modern city, near Oram’s Arbour.
ROMANS
70 AD Romans start to create a defended city "Venta Belgarum - marketplace of the Belgae", a regional capital.
410 Romans depart, Venta disintegrates.
St Catherine's Hill
DARK AGES
400 - 600 The era of the legendary warrior King Arthur. Was Winchester 'Caer Gwent', Camelot
King Alfred's Statue
SAXONS
Winchester becomes a royal and ecclesiastical city, the centre of Wessex and England.
635 King Cynegils brings Christianity to Winchester.
648 First Christian church, Old Minster founded.
861 Bishop Swithun, confidant and advisor to Alfred, dies.
871
King Alfred crowned and makes Winchester his capital. Founds New Minster. Nunnaminster is founded by his queen.
971 Swithun's grave opened, prior to re-interring in enlarged Old Minster, 40 days of rain.
1035 King Canute dies, buried in Old Minster.
NORMANS
1066 Winchester surrenders to King William the Conqueror, who extends the Saxon royal palace and builds a castle.
1079 Construction of present Cathedral begins.
1086 Domesday Book is compiled in Winchester.
MIDDLE AGES
1100 Wicked King Rufus buried below
...
See photographs from:
United Kingdom Gallery
