TimeRef - Medieval and Middle Ages History Timelines for kids and adults

You are here : Library Index » Winchester

Search/Year:

Page Under Development

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

964		Benedictines 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.
1043	Easter	Edward the Confessor crowned
		Edward the Confessor was crowned at Winchester on Easter day.
1052	Mar	Death of Queen Emma
		Queen Emma died at Winchester.¹
1067		Construction of Winchester Castle
		Construction of a wooden castle was begun at Winchester.
1070		Lanfranc 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.
1072	Feb	Council of Winchester
		Lanfranc held a Church council at Winchester where the reorganisation of Bishops and Bishoprics war confirmed. Canterbury was also confirmed as the head of the English Church rather than York.
1079 - 1093		Winchester Cathedral crypt
		Work began on the crypt and transepts of Winchester Cathedral. Until 1093.²
1100	Aug	William 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 - 1120		Winchester Cathedral tower
		Work began on the tower of Winchester Cathedral in 1108 and building continued Until 1120.²
1141		Winchester Castle burns down
		The castle was destroyed during the civil war.
	Apr	Matilda 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 14	Rout 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.
1154	Dec 8	Henry 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.³
1194	Apr 17	The '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 1158.⁴
1202 - 1235		Winchester 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 1235.²
1213	Jul	Excommunication lifted
		When King John agreed to meet Stephen Langton at Winchester he was absolved from excommunication.⁵
1265	Summer	Armies 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.⁶
1354		Statute 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.
1360		Winchester Cathedral West Front
		Work began on the West Front of Winchester Cathedral. Extra work was carried out on the North and South aisles²
1382		Founding 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.⁷
1394		Winchester 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 - 1500		Winchester Cathedral Lady Chapel
		Work was carried out on the Lady Chapel of Winchester Cathedral.²