Winchester Cathedral - Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity

History

Key events, dates and developments in the life of this church.

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Timeline

21st centuryWinchester Cathedral remains one of Europe’s largest medieval cathedrals and a major pilgrimage and heritage destination.
1986Modern sculpture and artistic installations introduced into parts of the cathedral precincts.
1960sMajor conservation campaigns undertaken across the cathedral fabric.
1906–1911Diver William Walker stabilises the flooded cathedral foundations underwater.
1820sGrowing antiquarian and architectural interest in the cathedral.
1817Jane Austen buried in Winchester Cathedral.
1660sRestoration repairs undertaken following the Civil War.
1642–1646Parliamentary troops damage monuments, stained glass and medieval furnishings during the Civil War.
1539Benedictine priory dissolved under Henry VIII.
1538Shrine of Saint Swithun destroyed during the English Reformation.
1476Completion of major medieval rebuilding campaigns.
15th centuryCathedral nave transformed into one of the finest Perpendicular Gothic interiors in England.
1367William of Wykeham appointed Bishop of Winchester and continues major Gothic rebuilding works.
14th centuryBishop Edington begins remodelling the nave in the Perpendicular Gothic style.
13th centuryEastern arm and retrochoir rebuilt in the Early English Gothic style.
12th centuryNorman transepts, crypt and nave completed on a monumental scale.
1093Monks process from the Old Minster into the newly completed Norman cathedral.
1093Old Minster demolished after transfer to the new cathedral.
1079Bishop Walkelin begins construction of the present Norman cathedral.
1043King Harthacnut buried at the Old Minster.
10th centuryShrine of Saint Swithun attracts pilgrims from across England.
648King Cenwalh of Wessex establishes the first cathedral church at Winchester dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul.
660sWinchester becomes one of the principal religious centres of the kingdom of Wessex.
871Alfred the Great becomes King of Wessex and strengthens Winchester as a royal and ecclesiastical centre.
901Alfred the Great buried at the Old Minster in Winchester.
971Old Minster enlarged and re-consecrated during the monastic reforms of Saint Æthelwold.
Present dayCathedral continues as the seat of the Bishop of Winchester and an active centre of worship, music and tourism.

Winchester Cathedral - Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity

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