A visit to Winchester in preparation for the PhotoWalk on
Sunday 24th June. Took the train from Guildford to Winchester
Station which is at the top of the town, some way from the centre.
A dull and very windy day, not good for taking photos but at
least it did not rain until the end of my visit. Started at the bottom of town
my the statue of King Arthur where the PhotoWalk will start, then a visit to
the Mill which was milling flour – interesting machinery in operation.
The Guildhall is an impressive Victorian Gothic building
(1873 & 1893), front elevation was poorly lit but did take a few photos in
the main entrance area. Then walked up the High Street trying to look up at the
building fronts above the shops without getting in the way of the shoppers.
There’s a lot to see if one looks up.
Then took a close look at W.H.SMITH (both outside and upstairs), a remarkable
Arts and Crafts/Domestic Revival style building of 1927, designed by J. W. Williamson of Blount and Williamson for their client W.H.Smith. The first floor
has a timber hammer-beam roof and painted moulded plasterwork murals depicting
historical scenes, this was originally used as a tea room and dance hall. A surprising
find well worth a look upstairs.
The 15th century Buttercross is a feature of the
High Street although an extensive Victorian restoration by Scott, now looks like it needs some more work done on it.
Banks are
always some of the best buildings in towns and there are some good details on
the Winchester branches. I quite like Barclays a red brick neo-Georgian pile of 1957.
The OLD GAOL,
Jewry Street was built in 1805 by George
Moneypenny and one part is now a Wetherspoon’s (always worth taking
advantage of their food and drink when passing!). Between the two remaining
parts of the goal is the Congregational Church of 1853.
Then up to
Westgate and the Great Hall, passing the council offices on the way. Impressive
Hall with some good Victorian stained glass.
Finally into
the Library to do some research, built as the Corn Exchange 18368 by O. B. Carter, with modern additions which work well with
the old building. Back to the station and to Guildford, a good day out.
