Winchester City Mill

It was half term so there were lots of activities taking place at Winchester City Mill, including pumpkin carving for Halloween.

There was also a spooky trail of letters to follow.  I don't think the "M" stood for Morris though.

The sound of the Mill Race was so loud I almost needed ear plugs.

It was a bit frightening so I was pleased that it was lovely and peaceful where we went next.  There is a beautiful garden right behind the Mill and the river flows much more calmly beside it.

Morris

Half term in Winchester - Day Three

Here's a close up of the plaque mentioned in Barnaby's post.  

As you will see, although Alfred reigned in the 9th century (871 to 899) the statue wasn't created until 1901 (the beginning of the 20th century, over 1100 years later).

On the plaque inserted in the statue itself it tells you who officially unveiled the statue.

Despite celebrating the founding of the English nation the dates are given in Roman numerals but that's appropriate because Winchester was a former Roman settlement too.

Morris

PS If you're wondering what Barnaby and I are sitting on it's a plastic bag because the grass was really wet and we didn't want to get soggy bottoms.

Two Castles (Winchester and Wolvesey)

I mentioned the Battle of Hastings in my earlier post today and you may know that the whole story of that battle is recorded in the Bayeux Tapestry.

An excerpt from it is part of the exhibition in the Great Hall, as Winchester Castle was one of the first places William the Conqueror built after he became king.

I really liked Queen Eleanor's Garden

On our way home we also looked at Wolvesey Castle. This used to be the palace of the bishops of Winchester Cathedral but it was built after Saint Swithun's time.

It's in ruins now but you can see how impressive it would have been.

Morris