Winchester Cathedral

Winchester Cathedral stands in the heart of the ancient city of Winchester, England. It is the seat of the bishop of Winchester and the mother church for the Diocese of Winchester. The cathedral is run by a dean and chapter under the dean of Winchester. It is among the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe and the longest medieval cathedral in the world. The building combines several architectural styles, including Perpendicular Gothic, Early English, and Norman. Its nave is very long and wide, while its transepts and tower are Norman in origin. The cathedral’s history stretches back to the 7th century. The first Christian church on the site was built around 648 by King Cenwalh of Wessex. The Old Minster became the cathedral for the Diocese of Winchester in 662. By the 10th century, Bishop Æthelwold expanded the church, making it briefly the largest in Europe. The shrine of St Swithun, one of Winchester’s most famous bishops, was later installed inside. The present building was begun in 1079 by Bishop Walkelin under Norman rule. Visitors find a vast cathedral with a soaring Perpendicular Gothic nave. The Norman transepts and tower remain largely intact. The retroquire and Lady Chapel show Early English and Gothic additions. The Great West Window, rebuilt after damage in the 17th century, still dominates the facade. The outline of the Old Minster can be seen to the north of the nave. The cathedral’s scale and layered history make it a striking place to explore.