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Cathedral Office, 9 The Close, Winchester
SO23 9LS
Today’s Cathedral has its roots in the seventh century, when England’s pagan monarchy first became Christians.
By the early 16th century, much of the Cathedral you see today was complete.
New secular names became linked to this place, to add to those of mighty kings and bishops, from the 17th-century angler Izaak Walton to the great early 19th-century English novelist Jane Austen.
The 19th century saw much restoration work, including new stone statues for the huge 15th-century Great Screen behind the altar. The Cathedral’s Organ, a cut-down version of a huge organ displayed at the 1851 Great Exhibition in London, was bought.
By the early 1900s, there were fears that the east end of this ancient building would collapse, after centuries of subsidence. Deep-sea diver, William Walker, worked under water in total darkness for six years to stabilise them.
Today, after 12 centuries, this great Cathedral church remains the seat of the Bishop of Winchester and centre of the Diocese of Winchester. Its beautiful spaces continue to echo to the sound of daily prayers and glorious sacred music.
It is also a thriving attraction for visitors all over the world, a precious heritage that we seek to conserve for future generations. Please visit us – you’ll find a warm welcome
