| Summary : A motte and bailey castle was probably built in 1067 and survived until the late 13th century. It was a favourite Royal residence with a complex of halls, chambers and chapels, but all that survives is the early 13th century Great Hall built by Henry III, now part of the County Offices complex. The entrance to the Great Hall was altered in the 19th century and the roof was renewed in 1873 by T H Wyatt. The medieval round table is situated on the west wall. The castle was demolished in 1645 and in 1683 a palace for Charles II was commenced, to be used successively as a prison and barracks, before being destroyed by fire in 1854. Scheduled. |
More information : [SU 47712944] CASTLE [G.T.] (site of)
CASTLE WALL [G.T.] (site of)
CASTLE DITCH [G.T.] (site of)
[SU 47772947] CASTLE HALL [G.T.] (site of)
[SU 47702939] KING'S HOUSE [G.T.] (site of). (1)
Winchester Castle occupied several acres of rising ground at the west end of the city. The Motte, presumably the work of William or his sons,was situated at the southern end of the site,with the bailey occupying the majority of the remainder. Until the end of the 13th century it was a favourite royal residence with a complex of halls,chambers and chapels, but all that survives is the early 13th century Great Hall,now part of the County Offices complex. The eraliest reference to a keep is in 1196. In 1216 it was captured afetr a siege of 2 weeks by Louis of France using siege engines. Under Henry III, extensive repairs and alterations amounting to £10,000 were made. These included the demolition of the old hall and its replacement, the construction of interval towers, and the rebuilding of the great keep. Numerous chapels are also documented. The royal were badly damaged by fire in 1302, and appaently were not made good. The Great Hall was restored under Richard II. (2)
The castle was demolished in 1645 and in 1683 a palace for Charles II (The King's House) was commenced, to be used successively as a prison and a barracks before being destroyed by fire in 1854. (3)
Recent excavations in the vicinity of the hall have confirmed some of the details noted on Colvin's plan. (4)
Winchester Castle is mainly occupied by a modern army barracks. The surviving remains comprise the castle ditch preserved on the south and the Great Hall,now used as the County Court. Preserved within the Castle Hall is the so-called Round Table of King Arthur. Of considerable antiquity it is none the less merely a mappa mundi using the legend of Arthur as its motif.
For details of the castle see Saxon/Md. Winchester Map Diagram.
Published 1/2500 correct. See photograph. (5)
Excavations from 1968 to 1971 were carried out in the Castle Yard. (See SU 42 NE 1 for Iron Age and Roman levels). Two Anglo-Saxon streets were found below the castle earthworks, one of which had been repaired at least seven times. Timber pits and buildings of the same period have also been discovered.
The Castle was probably built about 1067 with a motte at the north end of the bailey and the rest of the castle built on an immense platform running north-south. A chapel of this period was also found. Nothing now remains of the early Norman defences or buildings; the castle was completely remodelled in the reign of Henry III.
Winchester Castle, Great Hall, remains of Round Tower and the Sally Port - scheduled. (6-9)
Listed by Cathcart King. (10) |