Historians On Tour - Wolvesey Castle

Makes a change that a rambling blog isn't coming from Tom but from me instead. I wasn't going to write this seeing as this is more Jordan's history then mine and he knows more about it then me, but as he tells me I have a better way with words.

Wolvesey Castle

A few weeks ago Jordan decided one day that we should go out somewhere, he planned it but never told me where it was we were going and that dinner had been booked as well. I must admit I needed the break what with doing an exam for the last 2 days and with the nice weather it would have been a shame to not take advantage of it. That morning I finished writing a blog (that should be up soon) and then just after lunch I was told to get my shoes on, get what I needed and was bundled into the car. The sat-nav was set up and away we went, still no the wiser as to where. 

We arrived in Winchester about 45 mins later, most of the trip I had said out random places that I knew were in the direction we went, but obviously I was wrong. The first mistake was walking past an art gallery that had a glorious limited edition sparkling drawing of Marilyn Monroe in the window. I later looked at the website and nearly had a heart attack at the price. Jordan had no idea where he was going despite using Google Maps, but was nice walking through parts of Winchester that I have never seen before. Even though I had walked some of the streets before when I went to meet Dan Jones a few years before. We walked past the Great Hall, that contains King Arthur's Round Table, which Jordan didn't realise was there. We went down many old back roads till we eventually got the Wolvesey Castle. 

Now as many people who read our blogs will know that this is history beyond the time that I know, so sadly I don't really know much about the place or what happened there. So for the purpose of this blog I had to do a little studying and research to gain some understanding. 

History

At the time it was one of the greatest medieval buildings that was built in England. It was the palace of Winchester's powerful and wealthy bishop. It was an important Norman building and was built when Winchester was second only to London. The bishops of Winchester held the highest positions of power within the English Church, many held vast amounts of land that spread from Somerset to London, this would have also left a huge income of money. Winchester's Bishop used to live with a community of monks that served the Cathedral. But due to the demand of the job and the public role, it meant that a simple life in the the monastery wasn't meant to be, and a separate accommodation was needed.

Aethelword, 963 - 984, was the first bishop to live in separate accommodation to the rest of the monks and the Cathedral. He supposedly lived in the north of the present site, but little is known about his residence while there. The building would have probably included a hall, accommodation and a Chapel. When the second Bishop, William Griffard, 1107 - 1129, took over he built the stone West hall, which today is buried under the Baroque Palace, yet the Northern side has survived. The rooms were raised on the first floor, this meant that not only did it give it an imposing appearance, but they also served as the Bishop's private chambers. They were used on the odd occasion by Royal guests. 

The ruins of the castle that survive are the work of one man, Bishop Henry of Blois, 1129 - 1171. He build a palace that was fitting of his wealth and power. He was first appointed Abbot of Glastonbury in 1126 and then succeeded William Giffard 3 years later. When he died, 42 years later he was still adding buildings, including the East Hall. Even though many of the Bishops that followed carried out repairs and work, it was only Henry's work that would have the biggest impact for the next 500 years and its only his work that is still visible today. When the Civil War of King Stephen's throne broke out and he claimed the throne as well as Empress Matilda, he was abandoned by his brother and was captured by Matilda's forces. Bishop Henry welcomed Matilda to Winchester and prepared to consecrate her as the new Queen. He was alienated by her and went back to help his brother Stephen.

Henry laid siege to Winchester and trapped Matilda inside. Records of Wolvesey show that it played its part during this time. After the siege, Henry decided to fortify Wolvesey and erected 2 large towers. Woodmans gate, which is one of two gatehouses, housed the treasurer's quarters and the treasury. It also here that the Pipe rolls from the 1370's were also stored. This was one of many houses and castles that was owned by the Bishop of Winchester across the land that he covered and he was also constantly on the move between these houses attending the Royal Court. Winchester at the time was one of the richest estates at the time. Every year accounts were added up and sent the cash profit directly to Wolvesey's treasury.

Wolvesey would continue to decline as a house until the 1680's. It was abandoned in favour of a new palace that was being built next to the site by the new Bishop George Morley, 1662 - 1684. But by the 18th century Farnham Castle was the preferred main residence of Bishop's. Wolvesey was neglected and even though the Baroque Palace was demolished in 1786, the West wing has survived and still remains the current Bishop's residence.

Rest of the day out

Despite the castle being a ruin it was still fascinating to walk around and read the boards that have been put in place. When I walk around a ruin like this I try to picture what it would have looked like and look at the walls to spot the signs of old floor board, smoke stains and were the stairs would have been. We spent a good hour wondering round the site and taking pictures. Once finished we didn't know were to go next, I suggested that we go to the Round Table but instead we walked back to the main high street. The walk to the high street was breathtaking. All along the one side was a fast flowing river that was full if different animals, trees and flowers. It then opened up into a little park, that was full of benches and walk ways, but was so quiet and beautiful. We got to the main road and walked to the main shopping centre and decided to do some retail therapy. But nobody needs to hear about that, although I did spend £80 in Waterstones, so there will be some book reviews coming from me.