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Article #143: Winchester Is A Perfect Place for a Weekend Break

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Winchester is beautifully located in the Cathedral. The house she lived out her
soft, rolling South Downs in the county last days can still be seen in College
of Hampshire. One time capital of the Street. It is now a private residence.
ancient English Wessex region, you can Visitors to Winchester include John Keats
easily explore its beautifully preserved and Anthony Trollope; both of whom wrote
buildings and parks on foot. It really is pieces that were set in Winchester. Right
the quintessential English town. up until the late Georgian period
People settled Winchester thousands of Winchester played host to the kings and
years ago. They settled along, what is queens of England during the summer
now called the River Itchen, whose waters months.
are crystal clear and sustain an Like these visitors of times past, you
abundance of fish and waterfowl. Indeed, will fall in love with this ancient and
you can see anglers fishing for trout beautiful city. You can stroll about its
within a five-minute walk of the city. medieval streets; admire its Georgian
The Romans founded a garrison in architecture and marvel at its Victorian
Winchester and it peaked under Roman rule buildings and parks. You can walk along
around the 4th century. The invading the banks of the Itchen River. Its waters
Saxon tribes later remodelled it. Much of are still filled with trout and eel, all
the street layout is from this time. of which you can easily see owing to its
Later, after the Norman Conquest, crystal clear water. And, within 5
Winchester Cathedral was built and during minutes, you can find yourself strolling
the Georgian period many of the houses in green, unspoilt meadows. But, the
dating from the Middle Ages were faced jewel in the crown must surely be
with brick and re-styled in the Winchester Cathedral. It has been
neo-classical style favored by the described as the finest cathedral in all
Georgians. England. There has been a place of
The most famous citizen of Winchester was worship on this site for about 1500
King Alfred the Great. He has been years! The architecture of the building
described as one of the greatest English is exquisite and the cathedral setting is
men whoever lived. He was a warrior, a perfect; surrounded by greens and
devote Christian, a great statesman and a courtyards. Do go inside and marvel at
scholar. Alfred was born in 849AD and the stain-glass and the tombs of many of
ruled Wessex (most of southern England) the great who are buried there.
between the years 871 to 899. He defeated The City of Winchester has miraculously
the Danes and saved the southern half of survived many of the modern developments
England from the Danelaw. He made that blight so many cities. It is now a
Winchester his capital and set about gentle but vibrant place in which to
rebuilding the city. Upon his death he live. Once, you visit the city you will
was buried in the city. You can visit the want to visit again. Each time, you will
ruins of Hyde Abbey, his final resting find more hidden gems of this remarkable
place. He is the only king of England city.
ever to have been given the title 'The Robin O'Brien lives and works in
Great'. Winchester. You can visit his site and
Another famous citizen of Winchester was find out more about Winchester City and
the author Jane Austen. She spent her book on-line to stay in one of the many
last few months living in Winchester. You fine hotels in Winchester.
can visit her tomb in Winchester






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