Winchester, Hampshire (England’s Former Capital City)
Winchester is a beautiful city, with a lovely cathedral and castle ruins. The weekly farmers’ market is one of England’s largest, bringing fresh Hampshire produce to everyone’s table, with no or low food miles.
Always follow the Countryside Code, to keep all creatures safe.
Join the Winchester Litter Pickers!
Winchester Litter Pickers began with 3 friends, and now has over 30 local volunteers. Areas they clean include outside the cathedral and the area around the railway station. They collect around 1000 bags of litter per year. Volunteers receive litter grabbers and reflective vests (donated by the Rotary Club).
Jane Austen was Born in Winchester
Regency writer Jane Austen (often more associated with Bath, where she lived) was born in nearby Steventon, where her father was the local vicar. Several of her nephews attended Winchester collage, and she spent her last weeks in the city. She is buried at Winchester cathedral.
The First Capital of England
Before everything happened in London, Winchester was a major city under the Norman conquest, and the capital of England. It was also where the country’s finances were stored.
Home to One of England’s Poshest Schools
Winchester College is up there with Eton, as one of England’s poshest private schools. Founded in 1382, it’s also one of the oldest, and includes a 14th century Gothic chapel, and a schoolroom designed by Sir Christopher Wren (who designed St Paul’s Cathedral in London).
Some well-known pupils who attended here include:
- Rishi Sunak (former Conservative Prime Minister)
- Hugh Dancy and Colin Firth (English actors)
- Tim Brooke-Taylor (former Goodie!)
