Winchester

No matter where we go in England, I can't really comprehend how old the towns are, or how much history they contain. For instance: Winchester.  It was the first capitol of England... you know, over a thousand years ago, before even Londinium. It's hard to believe the town (or any place, for that matter) has been populated for that long. Do the people that live in and near such history reflect on the significance?  Perhaps its because I come from place incorporated less than 200 years ago that I can't stop thinking about it.

Anyway, Winchester. Another quintessential British town steeped in English history and lore. Massive cathedral? Check. Castle ruins? Check. Crumbling Roman wall remains? Check. Seriously, this town has it all, plus adorable pubs, lovely shops and a rambling canal. The weather was nice and the drive down wasn't too bad... if only the guide books told the real story about heavy motorway traffic. Oh, there was a choir and symphony in the cathedral practicing for a performance that night - Mozart's Requiem. It was a flippin' amazing cap to a great afternoon out.

Chewie in a pub strikes again!

Winchester Cathedral

a hospital built in 1607

Wolvesly Castle ruins
(home to many rich Catholic Winchester bishops)

don't worry.. a new one was built in the 17th century.

home to Jane Austen

just one of the mortuary chests which contain
Saxon king remains

sculpture by Antony Gormley.. when the crypt floods (annually)
the sculpture looks to be standing on water