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In medieval times Winchester was just as important as London and in Saxon times Winchester was the capital of Wessex. Winchester has a Cathedral and a castle. The castle had been mostly destroyed but remains of the Great Hall dating back to the times of Henry III can still be seen. Below is a timeline of events that took place in Winchester.

Mini Timeline

964Benedictines at Winchester
At the bidding of St. Dunstan Benedictine monks moved from the Abbey of Abingdon to Winchester. Work began on a new Saxon church on the site.
1043EasterEdward the Confessor crowned
Edward the Confessor was crowned at Winchester on Easter day.
1052MarDeath of Queen Emma
Queen Emma died at Winchester.
1067Construction of Winchester Castle
Construction of a wooden castle was begun at Winchester.
1070Lanfranc becomes Archbishop of Canterbury
William the Conqueror placed Lanfranc in the position of Archbishop of Canterbury a move designed to strengthen his hold on the English throne. Thomas of Bayeux, a pupil of Odo (William's brother), was put in the position of Archbishop of York after the death of Ealred who died on September 11, 1069. Archbishop Stigand was imprisoned in Winchester.
1072FebCouncil of Winchester
Lanfranc held a Church council at Winchester where the reoganisation of Bishops and Bishoprics war confirmed. Canterbury was also confirmed as the head of the English Church rather than York.
1079 - 1093Winchester Cathedral crypt
Work began on the crypt and transepts of Winchester Cathedral. Until 1093.
1100AugWilliam buried at Winchester
William Rufus was buried under the tower of Winchester Cathedral. The tower fell down (either in 1101 or 1107 ?). The cause was blamed on the wickedness of the King's bones but was probably due to poor construction or uncertain foundations.
1108 - 1120Winchester Cathedral tower
Work began on the tower of Winchester Cathedral in 1108 and building continued Until 1120.
1141Winchester Castle burns down
The castle was destroyed during the civil war.
AprMatilda is elected Queen
After Stephen had been captured at Lincoln, Matilda was elected as Queen of England at Winchester. Her new position as ruler of England was not to last for long
Sep 14Rout of Winchester
Matilda's forces were besieging a royalist held castle at Wolvesey near Winchester and were attacked and defeated by a royalist relief army. King Stephen who was being held captive at the time was exchanged for Robert, earl of Gloucester one of Matilda's supporters who was captured in the defeat.
1154Dec 8Henry lands in England
Although the English Channel was stormy, Henry needed to get to England as it had been without a King since the end of October. His ship landed somewhere near Southampton and he went straight to Winchester where he received the Royal treasures and the homage of the English barons.
1194Apr 17The 'Crown Wearing'
Richard took part in a precession to Winchester Cathedral. The king wore a golden crown and was followed by notables from the Church and State. The previous Crown Wearing was in 1158.
1202 - 1235Winchester Cathedral Retrochoir and Lady Chapel
Work began on the retrochoir (area to the east of the presbytery) and the Lady Chapel of Winchester Cathedral. Until 1235.
1213JulExcommunication lifted
When King John agreed to meet Stephen Langton at Winchester he was absolved from excommunication.
1265SummerArmies march
Simon's son was sent to London to raise money and troops. He diverted back through Winchester which was loyal to the king and then moved through Oxford and Northampton. Edward (I) moved from Worcester to Bridgnorth destroying bridges and means of allowing Simon who was on the Welsh side of the Avon from crossing back. The people of Bristol, friendly to Simon's cause sent ships to Newport to help Simon cross, but they were intercepted and destroyed by Edward. Meanwhile, Simon's son was attacked at Kenilworth during the night and taken completely by surprise had no chance to defend himself.
1354Statute of Staples
A law that fixed 15 towns as staple towns. A staple town was a town that was restricted in what it could sell to foreign merchants. The towns were Bristol, Canterbury, Carmarthen, Chichester, Cork, Drogheda, Dublin, Exeter, Lincoln, London, Newcastle, Norwich, Waterford, Winchester and York.
1360Winchester Cathedral West Front
Work began on the West Front of Winchester Cathedral. Extra work was carried out on the North and South aisles
1382Founding of Winchester College
William of Wykeham founded Winchester College so that prayers could be said for his soul for all time. It also provided training for boys that were to enter his other college, New College Oxford.
1394Winchester Cathedral rebuilding work
Work began on converting the Norman front and nave of Winchester Cathedral to the Perpendicular style by the Bishop of Winchester, William of Wykeham.
1490 - 1500Winchester Cathedral Lady Chapel
Work was carried out on the Lady Chapel of Winchester Cathedral.

See Also

  Winchester Cathedral
  Henry (of Blois, Bishop of Winchester)
  HENRY (I, King of England 1100-1135)
  Matilda (Daughter of Henry I)
  WILLIAM (I, the Conqueror, King of England 1066-1087)
  Wynford, William
  Wessex


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