Winchester 14 September 2012

I arranged to meet a couple of friends from Vancouver who were visiting the UK.  They love cathedrals and architecture,  and Winchester was on their list.
I arrived early and wandered around.  It had been damp enough for a waterproof, but soon cleared up.

The view down the main street

Outside the Hampshire county council offices

The cathedral

From the front

We met outside the cathedral and decided to go for a walk round, have a look at the market, and grab a coffee.  By the time we returned there was a notice outside saying that the cathedral was closed  until 3pm, for a school service.  

So we walked around some of the older streets.  

Then along the shopping street.

Parody sign - King Alf raises a glass.

The market in the background - the real King Alf is hidden at he bottom somewhere

We visited the Great Hall with its Round Table, constructed in the mid to late thirteenth century - a bit late for Arthur.  Then outside to Queen Eleanor's Garden - a reconstruction of a medieval garden. 

Infra sunt nomina comitatus militum de com Soton (???)

Please do not sit on the judge's bench!

We had a quick look at the passages (sallie ports and garderobes ?) which, along with the great hall are all that remain of the castle, before returning to the cathedral for another drink, in time for the end of the service.

Unfortunately, the service had overrun, and we agreed to call the cathedral visit off.  
After Mary and Tony had caught the train, I strolled back to the market to buy some bread, cheese and Turkish Delight - always one for a balanced diet.

Silly signs time - no go?

Looking up the main street.

Memo to self - I'll try to home in on some stalls for photos next time!