Winchester Miscellany

Here’s a round up of some things to see and do in Winchester that didn’t quite justify their own post. First up:

Abbey Gardens

Abbey Gardens is a lovely space just off to the side of the King Alfred statue mentioned in a previous post. I only walked through here while waiting for a bus nearby. This is the former site of St Mary’s Abbey, hence the name. The official residence of the Lord Mayor of Winchester is in the gardens as well as the usual benches and flowerbeds. The River Itchen also runs through here.

Licoricia of Winchester:

This statue can be found on Jewry Street just outside the Arc Winchester, an exhibition space, library and cafe. It depicts Licoricia, a medieval Jewish businesswoman with one of her sons. Widowed for many years before remarrying she successfully ran her business and raised her children, gave money towards the building of Westminster Abbey and moved in the royal circles of Henry III. She was murdered in her own home in 1277 which was nearby the site of her statue; who killed her still remains a mystery.

The River Itchen:

I’ve already shown you part of the River Itchen via the Keats’ Walk but the section across the road from The Mill down towards Wolvesey Castle is really lovely with plenty of benches to sit on.

Horse and Rider:

I walked by this statue on Castle Hill while heading up towards the Great Hall. It was commissioned in 1974 and sculpted by Elisabeth Frink. There were three casts made, the one here, one in London and one somewhere in the US.

I really enjoyed my time in Winchester, easy to get to by train and compact enough to easily walk around. Next up…Oxford!