Category: Uncategorized
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History created with needle and thread
It was such a pleasure last week to share some of Winchester Cathedral’s many-layered histories with a group inspired by Tracy Chevalier’s novel A Single Thread. The group wanted to discover more about the real people, places and events behind the novel, so we explored the remarkable embroideries created by generations of women connected with…
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Explore Winchester’s Medieval Jewish Heritage Walking Tour
Join my walking tour and discover the story of the Medieval Jewish community that once lived in Winchester. Along the way, we’ll meet some remarkable individuals whose lives bring that history to life — the stories of Chera and her son Abraham Pinch and Licoricia and her sons Benedict and Asher. Meet at the Winchester…
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Titanic Memorial
One of the things I enjoy most about leading guided tours is that I often end up learning something new from the people who come along. On a recent tour of St Giles Hill, Richard Gedye asked me about the Titanic memorial in St Giles Hill Graveyard. I had no idea it was there, but…
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Join Us for a Historic Walk on St Giles Hill
Come and join me for a walk on St Giles Hill. This walk has it all – picturesque nature, breathtaking views, tree-lined paths and a forgotten railway. It’s not just a walk, but a journey through time. We will take a moment to admire the beautiful bench dedicated to Paula Moran, a cherished member of…
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John Airey – and the restoration of the Water Garden
James Bond isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of gardening, yet the creator of this garden is said to have inspired Ian Fleming’s famous character. Sir Peter Smithers, botanist, diplomat (and perhaps spy), and later MP for Winchester from 1950 to 1964, lived in Colebrook House just beyond the wall…
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Water Garden Restored
I had the great pleasure of talking to Winchester resident John Airey last week. He has done a wonderful job of restoring the Water Gardens over the summer. He spent 200 hours working on the garden, removing 50 years of silt from the water and collecting all the coins thrown in over the years, donating…
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Who was William of Wykeham?
You’ve probably seen him around Winchester. His statue stands proudly above Boots the Chemist on the High Street, and another can be found on the Buttercross Monument. His emblem also appears on the Wykeham Arms pub in Kingsgate Street. But who was he really?A remarkable bishop, statesman, and founder of Winchester College and New College,…
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Discover Winchester’s Wild Side: A Walk with Animals, Real and Imagined
Wandering through Winchester, I was struck by just how many animals are hidden in plain sight. From striking sculptures to playful street art and quirky shop window displays, the city is teeming with creatures — both real and imagined. Some of these animals are well known, like the life-sized sculpture of the Hampshire Hog outside…
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Explore St Giles Hill – Your Next Adventure Awaits!
Looking for a refreshing way to reconnect with nature, history, and stunning views? We’re thrilled to introduce 3 free self-guided walking trails on St Giles Hill, crafted to let you explore at your own pace. Choose Your Path:Accessible Trail – Dive into the rich stories of St Giles Hill and its surroundings.Quarry Heritage Trail –…
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Hidden Gems: Winchester’s Chesil Street Murals
Exploring Winchester reveals hidden gems, such as the vibrant murals at Chesil Street Car Park, which depict iconic landmarks and a steam train. These artworks likely honor the historic railway linked to World War II. Stay tuned for upcoming St Giles Trails for more insights into Winchester’s rich history, launching this January.
