Winchester Castle

Winchester Castle is a castle ruin in Winchester with the Great Hall as its principal building, featuring walls built from flint and stone. The structure displays typical Norman construction principles with thick walls and substantial proportions.

William the Conqueror ordered the construction of Winchester Castle in 1067, establishing it as one of the first Norman strongholds in England. The Great Hall was later redesigned under King Henry III and has remained the centerpiece ever since.

The Great Hall displays a massive round table on its wall, painted during the Tudor period with the names of King Arthur's knights. This table connects medieval legend with the real history of the place.

The grounds are open daily to visitors with straightforward access to the main building. Guided tours provide explanations of the medieval architecture and Norman construction techniques used throughout the site.

The Great Hall was designed in an unusual double-cube proportion that gives the space distinctive architectural balance. This precise configuration was a deliberate choice during its redesign under Henry III.

Location: Winchester

Location: City of Winchester

Inception: 1067

Website: https://hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/greathall

GPS coordinates: 51.06302,-1.31952

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:58