Pedestrians are advised that Curles Passage will be temporarily closed from 9.30am to 6.00pm daily on Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th May as specialist survey work is being carried out on Winchester Cathedral’s ancient stonework. Pedestrians are asked to follow the diversion signage in place directing foot traffic through the Water Gate path. Alternatively, the route along Gt Minster Street is, of course, open.
Curles Passage is the narrow passage along the alongside the cathedral wall leading to the Inner Close and onto St Swithun’s St and College St via Priors Gate.
The two-day survey is part of an ongoing and long-term programme of conservation focusing on the south nave aisle, where vital repairs are planned for both the historic masonry and stained glass. The Architect, Archaeologist and Head Stonemason will be investigating two key bays that border Curles Passage, to assess their condition and gather detailed condition information. This work will inform a future application to the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England (CFCE), seeking permission to move forward with the next phase of repair.
