Winchester College War Cloister, War memorial cloister at Winchester College, England
The War Cloister is a roofed quadrangle at Winchester College built with knapped flint and Portland stone, arranged in regular ashlars around the courtyard space. Round-headed arches supported by Tuscan columns create a unified architectural composition.
The structure was built after World War I to honor 500 former students who died in the conflict, despite the College having only about 450 students enrolled during the war years. This discrepancy reflects how far alumni had spread globally.
The name reflects its role as a memorial to former students. The walls display regimental symbols and regional emblems that show how far former pupils served across the globe.
Access to the War Cloister is typically available only through guided tours organized by Winchester College, which arrange visitor entry to the site. Contact the College directly to find out tour availability and timing.
At the center of the cloister stands a memorial cross by sculptor Alfred Turner, surrounded by roses and white lilies that give the space a reflective quality. This garden element sets it apart from many other war memorials.
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