A Visitor's Introduction to Winchester's Great Hall

History of the Great Hall

The Great Hall is the last remaining part of Winchester Castle, originally built by William the Conqueror in 1067, just after the Norman Conquest. The castle served as a key administrative centre and a royal residence for the kings and queens of England during the medieval period. Over the centuries, Winchester Castle became an important hub of political and judicial activity.

The current Great Hall was constructed between 1222 and 1235 during the reign of Henry III, who was born in Winchester. It was designed as a space for grand banquets, meetings of the royal court, and important legal proceedings. The hall became a seat of local government and hosted sessions of the Assize Courts until the late 19th century.

While most of Winchester Castle fell into ruin following the English Civil War, the Great Hall survived and has since become one of the most significant heritage sites in the region.

Architectural Features

The Great Hall is a stunning example of 13th-century Gothic architecture, renowned for its high vaulted ceiling, stone columns, and large arched windows. 

The Hall Itself: The vast, rectangular hall is impressive in its scale and simplicity, with dimensions of approximately 110 feet by 55 feet. Its soaring ceilings and elegant ribbed vaulting, supported by Purbeck marble columns, create a space that evokes the grandeur of medieval England. The large windows, added during Victorian restorations, allow natural light to flood the hall, enhancing its sense of openness.

The Round Table: Dominating the western wall of the Great Hall is the legendary Round Table, which has long been associated with the myth of King Arthur and his knights. Although the table itself is not from Arthurian times, it is an extraordinary medieval artifact. Dating to the late 13th century, the wooden table is over 18 feet in diameter and weighs about 1.2 tons. It was originally a banquet table but was later painted with an image of a Tudor rose and the names of King Arthur’s knights, likely during the reign of Henry VIII. The Round Table has been a symbol of Arthurian legend and royal power for centuries, contributing to the lasting mystique of the hall.

The Roof and Vaulting: The hammer-beam roof, a hallmark of Gothic architecture, supports the hall's large open space without the need for internal columns, allowing unobstructed views of the Round Table and other features.

Legal and Political Significance

For much of its history, the Great Hall was a centre of legal and political authority. It was here that sessions of the Assize Courts—which dealt with serious criminal cases such as murder and treason—were held. The Judicial Bench, still visible today, is where judges presided over these cases. The hall’s judicial use continued well into the 19th century, emphasizing its role in shaping local and national law.

The Great Hall also served as a venue for key parliamentary and administrative meetings. It was used for assemblies by local nobility and officials and was a site where key royal decisions were made. Even after the fall of Winchester Castle, the Great Hall remained a prominent location for civic affairs.

Victorian Restoration and Memorials

In the 19th century, the Great Hall underwent significant restoration under the direction of architect Sir Matthew Digby Wyatt. During this period, many of the hall’s features were renewed, including the large windows with their distinctive Victorian stained glass, depicting the coats of arms of local nobility and significant historical figures. 

Several monuments and memorials have been added to the Great Hall over the centuries, many of which commemorate important historic figures and events connected to Winchester and England’s history:

The Queen Victoria Statue: Outside the hall, in the Great Hall’s courtyard, stands a statue of Queen Victoria, placed to commemorate her Golden Jubilee in 1887. The statue reflects the hall’s ongoing role in English national history, even as it transitioned from a royal venue to a public heritage site.

The Lawgiver Panels: Inside the hall, a series of bronze plaques honor famous lawgivers throughout history, including historic figures like King Alfred the Great, who established early English law codes, and Henry II, who formalised English common law. These panels emphasise the hall’s long-standing association with justice and governance.

The Gardens of Queen Eleanor

Adjacent to the Great Hall are the Gardens of Queen Eleanor, a peaceful, green space that provides a serene contrast to the stone grandeur of the hall itself. The garden is named after Eleanor of Provence, the wife of Henry III, and features a recreation of a medieval-style garden, complete with geometric flower beds, herbs, and quiet seating areas. The gardens offer visitors a space for reflection and are a tribute to medieval horticulture.

The Arthurian Legend and King Arthur’s Round Table

One of the main reasons visitors flock to the Great Hall is its connection to the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. While the historical accuracy of King Arthur remains debated, the Round Table in Winchester has been a focal point of Arthurian lore for centuries. It was during the reign of Henry VIII that the table was painted with the image of King Arthur at its head, with a Tudor rose in the centre, solidifying its role as a symbol of British royal heritage.

The Round Table’s role in the myth of King Arthur has been immortalized in literature, art, and film, and it continues to inspire imagination today. The table in the Great Hall serves as both a historical artifact and a link to one of the most enduring legends of the British Isles.

Educational and Visitor Facilities

The Great Hall offers a range of resources for visitors, making it a welcoming and educational experience for all ages:

Interactive Displays and Exhibits: Information boards and digital displays throughout the hall explain the history of Winchester Castle, the Great Hall, and the Arthurian legend, providing context for visitors interested in learning more about medieval England and the hall’s significance.

Guided Tours: Knowledgeable guides offer tours of the Great Hall, providing deeper insights into its history, architecture, and artifacts. Special themed tours focusing on law, the monarchy, or Arthurian legend are also available.

Gift Shop: A small gift shop is located on-site, offering souvenirs, books, and gifts related to the Great Hall and Winchester’s rich history.

Nearby Attractions

Winchester is a city rich in historical landmarks, and several other attractions are within easy walking distance of the Great Hall, making it a perfect starting point for exploring the area:

Winchester Cathedral: Just a short walk away, Winchester Cathedral is one of the largest and most historically significant cathedrals in England, with stunning architecture and the final resting place of Jane Austen.

Wolvesey Castle: The ruins of Wolvesey Castle, once the residence of the powerful Bishops of Winchester, offer an intriguing look at the medieval power structures of the church and state.

The Westgate Museum: Located near the Great Hall, the Westgate is a medieval gatehouse that now serves as a museum showcasing Winchester’s history.

Winchester City Mill: A fully functioning watermill with a history dating back to the Saxon era, the Winchester City Mill is a fascinating stop for those interested in industrial history.

Practical Information for Visitors

Opening Hours: The Great Hall is generally open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though hours may vary seasonally or due to events. It’s recommended to check the official website for current information.

Admission: While admission to the Great Hall is free, donations are encouraged to help with the ongoing preservation of this important site.

Accessibility: The Great Hall is accessible to wheelchair users, and there are accessible facilities on-site.

Getting There: The Great Hall is located in Winchester’s city centre, a short walk from Winchester railway station. Public parking is available nearby, and the site is well-served by local buses.