Day Two 13th July 2010 - Winchester

Our first trip out took us to Winchester.  After a late breakfast and coming to terms with the time difference we assembled to hear an introduction to Winchester.  It's a city with a great history and most of it associated with the cathedral.  Pretty incredible to think there has been a religious building there since the 7th century and that the current building was begun in 1079 AD. That is a long time ago!

After the talk, armed with things to look out for we boarded the coach for the journey to Winchester.

Picking up our lunch we walked up to the cathedral and went in to look around.  All sorts of things stand out but you cannot help but be impressed with the nave and its size.  Finding some little secret hidden away is always a bonus and the early 12th century wall paintings are amazing, or the 14th century wood carvings in the choir stalls.  History really means something here as there is so much of it.  You leave the cathedral with a WOW imprinted on your face!  Especially good today was the exhibition of sculpture on display all around the cathedral.  Also outside the West End a military band was giving a concert.

Time to have lunch and look around the town, making the journey up to Great Hall where the Round Table hangs.  Not quite from King Arthur's Camelot but from the 13th century.  An opportunity to look at some of the shops before making our way to Winchester College and a specially arranged tour.  Founded in 1382 by William of Wykeham the College is one of the premier independent schools for boys in the UK.  It drips with history and there is so much to learn.  Imagine being a student here!

A great first day - a bit cloudy but who can complain when this much history stares out at you and says "I'm still here!'