Winchester Cathedral. See it for yourself. Save it for the future.

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Visiting the Cathedral

More than 1,000 years ago the Benedictine order of monks was introduced into the Old Minster at Winchester. The monastery, which was later known as St. Swithun's Priory, and the monks therein offered hospitality to all. The present day Visitors' Centre with its Refectory and Paul Woodhouse Building continues this tradition. The Centre with its acclaimed design and high reputation for excellent food (Egon Ronay Star Award 1994-2001) is an excellent venue for that special reception, banquet, conference or seminar. The profit generated from all the commercial activities is returned to the Chapter of Winchester for the upkeep and mission of the Cathedral.

"...the Dean shall choose a cook and undercook, industrious men of good repute and upright life who shall, with the manciple, diligently prepare all food and victuals for the table of those that live together."

Extract from statute 28, Dean and Chapter of Winchester, 1541.

Please contact us for further information at:
The Cathedral Office
1, The Close, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9LS.
Telephone: 01962 857200, Fax: 01962 857201              cathedral.office@winchester-cathedral.org.uk

The tomb of Jane Austen

Amongst the bosses of the tower vault is a portrait of King Charles I and his queen, Henrietta Maria, regular visitors to the Cathedral in the 1600's.