Grand Tour of Winchester Part IX: Twin Chantries of late 15th Century: Cardinal Henry Beaufort (d. 1447) and Bishop William Waynflete (d. 1486)
The two 15th century chantries that flank the shrine of St Swithun at Winchester are an exuberant expression of stone masons’ skills at the height of Perpendicular architecture. Years as Bishop Location of Chantry 1 Cardinal Henry Beaufort 1405-1447 S side of later...
Grand Tour of Winchester Part VIII: Bringing the Perpendicular to Winchester: Bishop William Edington (d. 1366) & Bishop William Wykeham (d. 1404)
Royal masons working at Winchester in the 1360s developed the ‘cage’ chantry.[i] The earliest free-standing ‘cage’ chantries in England are the two built in the nave of the cathedral. They were built for Bishop William Edington and Bishop William Wykeham. Years as...
Grand Tour of Winchester Part VII: 200 Years of The Cage Chantry
In Winchester Cathedral are six free-standing chantries dating from the mid-14th C to the mid-16th C. They provide an interesting comparison of Perpendicular micro-architecture over two hundred years, demonstrating the innovative and master accomplishment of medieval...
Grand Tour of Winchester Part VI: The Cathedral Retrochoir & Chantries
To describe the architecture of a cathedral is a significant task and perhaps ends up as dry facts. At Winchester the magnificent nave, choir, chancel or sanctuary are a wonder to behold and experiencing the space is an aim in itself. What I thought perhaps to bring...
A Grand Tour of Winchester Part V: Two Norman Building Bishops of Winchester
Main photo: Winchester Cathedral Crypt, 1093 Medieval history is partly shaped by the ‘magnates’ of a realm. These confident people, often men, positioned themselves to achieve what still echoes today. Two of the Norman Bishops of Winchester played their role, not...
A Grand Tour of Winchester Part IV: Fairs, Markets & Commerce
Winchester was well situated for trade to make its way to and from the city. Roman roads approached it from all directions and the River Itchen was navigable to Southampton Water. From there continental trade links were accessible.[i] Winchester had developed along a...
Exploring Building History
Exploring Building History is a non-commercial site. It is my own personal musings on architectural history. There is wealth of built heritage in England, and as I explore and think about what I see, I post my reflections on this site.