A description of the city, college, and cathedral of Winchester: ... The whole illustrated with several curious ... particulars, collected from a manuscript of Anthony Wood, ...

THE CATHEDRAL.

SOME Writers report, that a Monastery was founded in this City by King Lucius, A.D. 169, which was destroyed in the Persecu|tion of Dioclesian, A.D. 266* 1.1. This, it is said, was afterwards restored, and underwent various Revolutions; till Kyngelise, the first Christian King of the West Saxons, began a Cathedral Church, A.D. 611. which was probably finished by his Successor Kenwalch, and replenished with Religious by Birinus, the Bishop and Apostle of the West Saxons, A.D. 646. Soon afterwards, viz. A.D. 660, the See of Dorchester, now in Oxfordshire, was removed hither, and Wina was appointed the first Bishop. But before this new Constitution commenced, Birinus and Agilbertus were the two first Bishops of Winchester.

The Chapter of this Foundation, who were Seculars, continued about 300 Years, and were at length removed by the Persuasion of Bishop Ethelwold* 1.2, in the Reign of King Edgar, about A.D. 963, who substituted a Convent of Bene|dictines, which remained till the Reformation.

About the Year 1079 Bishop Walkelyne † 1.3 be|gan the present Edifice, and finished the Tower, the Choir, the Transept, and probably the West End§ 1.4. Accordingly the Monks, in the Pre|sence of almost all the Bishops and Abbots of England, passed with much State and Triumph from the old Monastery to the new one, A.D. 1093, on the Feast of their Patron St. Swythin; and in a most solemn Procession translated the Shrine of that Saint to the new Church. The next Day Walkelyne commanded the old Monas|tery to be demolished; which was effected the same Year, one Porch and the high Altar ex|cepted‡ 1.5. The whole being nobly improved by William of Wykeham, was at lenth finished, as it now appears, by Fox; of whose respective Bene|factions and Alterations I shall find a proper Occasion hereafter to speak more particularly.

Notwithstanding the positive Assertions above, concerning Walkelyne's entire Demolition of the old Church, I am persuaded that the low-built Iles at the East End of the Choir, existed before the Time of Walkelyne, and are a Part of the old Church erected by the Saxon Kings. This ap|pears from several demonstrative Proofs: For, they are in a more simple and confined Style of Architecture, than any Part of Walkelyne's new Work; and, admitting that Walkelyne demolished great Part of the old Church, it seems probable that he should leave that Part of it standing in which many of the Saxon Kings, and Bishops his Predecessors, are confessedly buried. Another Evidence of this Hypothesis are the Crypts on which these low Iles stand to this day; and which, as appears from a Latin Epistle in Verse of Wolstan* 1.6, Precentor of the Church, to Aelphege, Bishop of Winchester, A.D. 946, were con|structed by Ethelwold in the Reign of King Ed|gar. He is speaking of Ethelwold's rebuilding the Church.

Insuper occultas studuistis & addere cryptas.

These Crypts, now remaining, if they do not prove the Antiquity of the Building they sup|port,

yet at least they point out the original Situation of the Church; and invalidate those Testimonies which assert that Walkelyne entirely demolished the old Church, and chose a new Ground-plot for his new Structure.

There is another Circumstance mentioned by Rudbourne* 1.7, which still further corroborates my Supposition. He observes that William Rufus was buried in the Choir under a Tower, which fell down a few Years afterwards, and that in the Place of it Walkelyn erected the present Tower. He adds, that Walkelyn did not build this Tower in his Life-time, but committed the Care of it to his Executors, who finished it after his Death.

The Writer of the Epistle abovementioned, who lived A.D. 946, tells us that Ethelwold in|troduced a Water-Course into the Priory, now corruptly called the Log-Pond.

—Hucque Dulcia piscosae flumina traxit aquae. Secessusque † 1.8 Laci penetrant secreta domorum, Mundantes ‡ 1.9 totum murmure coenobium.

This Water-Course is formed in a large Piece of subterraneous arched Stone-work. The antient

Course of it is thus described in a Passage faith|fully translated from Wykeham's Register* 1.10,

"And because there is a certain Water-course, running from within the City of Winton into the aforesaid Priory of St. Swythun, through the Middle of the Dormitory, Cloisters, Buttery† 1.11, Malt-house, Kitchen, and the Mid|dle of the Court, or Quadrangle, of the said Priory; which Course of Water is called Lourte-borne, in which, and by which, Rub|bish, Offalls, &c. [are carried through the Priory to Wolvesy House.] It is agreed that the Prior and Convent shall place a strong and sufficient Grate of Iron, in the outward Southern Wall§ 1.12 of the said Priory, to pre|vent, &c."

‡ 1.13—

"From the Chapter-House within the Priory of the Church of Winton, A.D. 1398."

After this eminent Convent, which consisted of a Prior and § 1.14 forty-two Monks, had flou|rished in the Splendor of its † 1.15 Ornaments, the Magnificence of its Buildings, and the Extent of its Possessions, for near 900 Years, it was dis|solved by Henry VIII. Nov. 15, A.D. 1539; who within less than five Months afterwards, viz. on March 28, A.D. 1540, instituted a new Foundation, consisting of one Dean, twelve Pre|bendaries, six Minor Canons, ten Lay Clerks, or Singing Men, eight Choristers, and other Members, which he dedicated to the holy and undivided Trinity. The Revenues at the Disso|lution were valued at 1507l. 17s. 2d. the great|est

Part, if not all, of which, was * 1.16 appropriated, by the King, to the new Dean and Chapter‡ 1.17. The last Prior was William Basyng, alias Kynges|mell, who was made the first Dean, and died A.D. 1548.

Of the Conventual Buildings, which were transferred with the Revenues, nothing consider|able at present remains. Some, we may reason|ably suppose, were demolished in the Reign of Henry VIII. or soon afterwards, as useless to the new Foundation; and others have given Way to modern Improvements. The principal Part, now standing, is the Dean's, formerly the Pri|or's, Hall. It was very losty with a Roof of Rafter-Work still to be traced, and was 65 Feet long, and 22 broad. But as the whole is sub|divided into several Apartments, its Height, Length, and Breadth, are at present lost to the Eye. Five Windows on the West Side of it re|main, with its End-Window on the South. The Traces of two Windows, remarkably long and narrow, discernible in the East End of the Pre|bendal House, now belonging to the Reverend Mr. Letchmere, and of three Arches on the North

Side of the same, indicate one End of the Resectory: And the House itself, which has several Apartments with arched Stone-Roofs, seems to be made up of the Kitchen, Buttery, Cellars, and other Offices. The Cloisters formed an Area on the Southern Church-yard, and were built § 1.18 against the South Side of the Church, which on that Account is not furnished with Buttresses and Pinnacles as is the North Side. The opposite Wall retains the Vestiges of Arches, and of a large Gateway, which proba|bly led from the Cloisters to the Refectory before mentioned; or perhaps was the public Entrance from the Monastery into the Cloisters, and from thence to the Church. Through an antient Portico on the Eastern Square of these Cloisters, near the Deanery, they passed into the Chapter-House, which is destroyed, and makes a Part of the Dean's Garden. It was extended under the End of the Southern Transept to the Length of ninety Feet, against which the Heads of Arches, with some of their Pillars still appear; and prove from their Style, that it was built with the Transept by Walkelyne. Some of the Priors were interred

in it; particularly Godfrey, a famous Scholar in his Time, A.D. 1107, towards the East End† 1.19. That Side of the Cloisters which was contiguous to the Church appears to have been terminated, on the West, where the rough End of a Wall forming the Outside of the Western Square, ap|pears against the Church; beyond which, the Cloister cea••ing, the Remainder of this Side of the Church is finished with a Window lower than the rest, and of enlarged Dimensions: Un|der it is a lofty Gateway, which was an En|trance into the Church on the Outside of the Cloisters.

It is conjectured by Camden‡ 1.20, that the ruinous Walls of Flint, near the West End of the Church, are Part of a College, the Foundation and Dissolu|tion of which are equally obscure, where Constans the Monk, Son of Constantine, who usurped the Empire against Honorius, A.D. 408, was edu|cated. But it seems more probable that these are the Remains of the most antient Part of the Convent in Question, erected by some of the Saxon Kings; that Part, perhaps, which, as Rudborne already quoted, relates, was demo|lished by Walkelyne. The Height of the Ground hereabouts demonstrates the Demolition of some

considerable Pile. It appears also, that there was a Garden with several Houses within the Ceme|tery, under the West End of the Church, an En|croachment which arose after the Reformation, and which by Archbishop Laud's Injunctions was ordered to be removed, A.D. 1635† 1.21. Leland observes that there was a Chapel with a Carnary, at the West End of the Cathedral§ 1.22.

But the conventual Buildings seem to have been for the most Part ‖ 1.23 destroyed by the Presbyteri|ans in the Civil Wars; who A.D. 1646, de|molished more than Half of the Deanery and eight Prebendal Houses, together with the mag|nificent Episcopal Palace of Wolvesey, and after|wards sold the Materials. Most of the present Prebendal Houses, and Part of the Deanery, were rebuilt after the Restoration. The Library, at the South End of the Southern Transept, was re|duced to it's present Form, and replenished with a valuable Collection of Books, A.D. 1686, by Bishop Morley. But it was evi|dently a Room belonging to the Convent, as ap|pears by the initial Letters of Prior Silkestede's, Name cut in a Moulding of the East Window, answering to the Arms of the See in the opposite Moulding. The present Chapter-House, being the

Western Ile of the South Transept, was appro|priated to that Purpose, A.D. 1621‡ 1.24. The an|tient one abovementioned was totally demolished, as I conjecture, with the adjacent Deanery, though long before decayed and disused.

The principal Repairs of the Devastations committed by fanatic Enthusiasm and Ignorance, were made about A.D. 1663, soon after the Re|turn of the Dean and Chapter; who having been suppressed and expelled, during Cromwell's Usurpation, retook Possession of the Cathedral, Aug. 19, 1660§ 1.25.

The Arms of England, painted on the Win|dows of the Dean's Hall, were put up in Honour of James I. A.D. 1621, who was entertained at the Deanery; during which Time he planted a Fig-Tree in the Dean's Garden, which still re|mains, with an Inscription on the Wall behind it. In the same Window is another Coat for King Charles I. and his Queen Mary; with the Inscription C. M. viz. Carolus, Maria, as in the Roof of the Choir of the Church.

In the Windows of the Dean's Library, which is 28 Yards long, built soon after the Restora|tion, are some ancient Pieces of stained Glass, which originally belonged to the Prior's, now the Dean's House; viz. three Saints, the Arms of King * 1.26 Edgar or of Edward the Elder, of the See, and of William Kyngesmil, the first Dean. Among the Fragments is the Name of Thomas Silkestede, who was a Prior of the

Church, and probably was a Benefactor to the Buildings of the Deanery. At least it appears that he added the Stone-building with round-headed Windows, at the South Entrance of the Deanery, as his Initials T.S. connected with his usual Device of a Skain of Silk, still remain in the uppermost Windows. He died A.D. 1524. The Entrance, or arched Gateway, under this Building, is however evidently much older than the Superstructure.

The Precincts of the Church, called the Close, are surrounded, on the South and West Sides, by a losty Wall of Flint, originally belonging to the Convent, Part of which also remains on the North East. The Communication between the Episcopal Palace, called Wolvesey-House, and the Church* 1.27, was through a Gate still remaining, Eastward of the Church, on which the Arms and Name of Bishop Fox appear. On the Gate beyond is inscribed

"Georgius Morley Epus, 1670."

The Dean's Garden, and those of the Prebendaries, on the South East Side of the Close, are extremely delightful; being watered by a Branch of the River Itchin, remarkably clear and rapid, disposed in an elegant Taste, and opened on the East to a Prospect of the magnificent and extensive Ruins of Wolvesey-House, and other striking Objects.

The Ruins just mentioned, are the Remains of a noble Palace belonging to the Bishops of Winchester, built A.D. 1138, by Henry De Bloys, Bishop of Winchester, Nephew to Henry I. and Brother to King Stephen† 1.28. This Palace being demolished by the Presbyterians, Bishop Morley erected near it a convenient House for his Suc|cessors, over the Gate of which appears his Name, with the Date 1684. But it afterwards received considerable Improvements from Bishop Trelawney. The Chapel still remaining is un|doubtedly ancient, and belonged to the old Pa|lace; but is much more modern than De Bloys's Building. The Residence of the Saxon Kings is by some conjectured to have been on this Spot; and the Name Wolvesey is supposed to be formed from the Wulphian Kings, and Eye, which signifies a Nook of a Meadow‡ 1.29. Leland says of this Palace, that the Castle or Palace of Wolvesey is

"well touirrid, and for the most Part waterid about§ 1.30."

And Camden observes, that, in his Time, it was very spacious, and surrounded with several Towers* 1.31.

After this introductory Detail, I proceed to a distinct Description of the Church itself.

The Length of this magnificent Fabric, from East to West, is 545 Feet: Of, these, our La|dy's Chapel includes 54 Feet, and the Choir 136. The Length from the Iron Door, near the Entrance of the Choir, to the Porch at the West End, is 351 Feet. The Length of the Transepts is 186 Feet. The Breadth of the Body, below the Transepts, is 87 Feet; and of the Choir 40. The Vaulting in the Inside is 76 Feet high† 1.32. The exact Height of the Tower, which is an oblong Square, and contains ten Bells, is 138 Feet and an Half, and its Breadth 50 Feet by 48‡ 1.33.

The Prospect from the West End of the mid|dle Ile, to the East Window beyond the Choir, must strike every Mind which is susceptible of those aweful Feelings that arise from the Contem|plation of that Greatness and Extent which are peculiar to the Proportions of Gothic Architecture. A judicious and entertaining Passage from Lowth's Life of Wykeham will here be properly introduced.

"This Ile was originally of the Saxon Architec|ture not greatly differing from the Roman; with round Pillars much stronger than Doric or Tus|can, or square Piers, adorned with small Pillars; round-headed Arches and Windows; and plain

Walls on the Outside without Buttresses; as ap|pears by the Cross-ile and Tower which remain of it to this Day. The Nave of the Church had been for some Time in a bad Condition: Bishop Edyngdon undertook to repair it in the latter Part of his Time, and by his Will ordered his Executors to finish what he had begun. And whether in Pursuance of his Design and by his Benefaction, or otherwise, it appears, that in the Year 1371, some Work of this Kind was carrying on at a great Expence. However, Wykeham, upon due Consideration and Survey, found it either so decayed and infirm, or else so mean in its Appearance, and so much below the Dignity of one of the first Episcopal Sees in the Kingdom, that he determined to take down the whole from the Tower westward, and to rebuild it both in a stronger and more magnificent Man|ner. This great Work he undertook in the Year 1394, and entered upon it the Beginning of the next Year, upon the following Conditions stipulated between him and the Prior and Con|vent, who acquit the Bishop of all Obligation to it, and acknowledge it as proceeding from his mere Liberality, and Zeal for the Honour of God: They agree to find the whole Scaffolding necessary for the Work; they give the Bishop free Leave to dig and to carry away Chalk and Sand from any of their Lands, as he shall think

most convenient and useful for the same Purpose; and they allow the whole Materials of the old Building to be applied to the Use of the new. He employed William Winford as Architect: Simon Membury was appointed Surveyor of the Work on the Bishop's Part, and John Wayte, one of the Monks, Controller on the Part of the Convent. As the Church of Winchester is situated in low Ground, which, without great Precaution and Expence, affords no very sure Foundation for so weighty a Structure, Wykeham thought it safest to confine himself to the Plan of the for|mer Building, and to make Use of a Founda|tion already tried, and subject to no Hazard. He even chose to apply to his Purpose some Part of the lower Order of Pillars of the old Church, though his Design was in a different Style of Ar|chitecture; that which we commonly call Gothic, with pointed Arches and Windows, without Key|stones, and Pillars consisting of an Assemblage of many small ones closely connected together; but which is more properly Saracen, for such was its Origin: The Crusades gave us an Idea of this Form of Architecture, which afterwards prevailed throughout Europe. The Pillars or Piers of the old Building, which he made Use of, were about sixteen Feet in Height; of the same Form with those in the East Side of the Northern Cross-ile: These he carried up higher,

according to the new Design, altering their Form, but retaining their Strength, and adopt|ing them as a firm Basis for his own Work. The new Pillars are nearly equal in Bulk to the old ones; and the Intercolumniation remains much the same. These Circumstances, in which Stability and Security were very wisely in the first Place consulted, have been attended however with some Inconvenience, as it seems owing to them, that this Building has not that Lightness and Freedom, and that Elegance of Proportion, which might have been expected from Wykeham's known Taste in Architecture, and from the Style and Manner of his other Works in this Kind; of which we have evident Examples in the Chapels of both his Colleges, especially in the Western Part of that of New College in Ox|ford, which is remarkably beautiful. To the further Disadvantage of its present Appearance, an Alteration which could not then be foreseen has since happened. At that Time the Buildings of the Monastery covered the whole South Side of the Church, so that it seemed needless to be at a great Expence upon Ornaments in that Part which was like to be for ever concealed. By the Demolition of the Monastery this Side is now laid open, and discovers a Defect of Buttresses and Pinnacles, with which the North Side, which was then the only one in View, is properly ••urnished. Another

Alteration of the same Kind has been made in Inside, and with the like Effect: Immediately before the Entrance of the Choir stood the Vestry, which extending from Side to Side of the Nave, prevented the intire Conformation of those Pillars against which it rested to the new Design, but at the same Time concealed the Irregularity: In the Time of Charles the First this was pulled down, and the present beautiful Skreen, the Work of Inigo Jones, was erected; but no Care was taken, by an easy and obvious Alteration, to correct a Deformity, which was then uncovered, and still continues to disgrace the Building, in a Part which, of all others, is the most frequently exposed to Observation. However, with its Defects, which appear thus to be owing partly to an accidental and unfore|seen Change of Circumstances, partly to the Care of avoiding greater Inconveniencies, there is no Fabric of its Kind in England, after those of York and Lincoln, which excells this Part of the Cathedral Church of Winchester, in Great|ness, Stateliness, and Majesty. This great Pile took up about ten Years in erecting, and was but just finished when the Bishop died. He had provided in his Will for the intire Completion of his Design by his Executors, in Case of his Death; and allotted 2500 Marks for what then remained to be done, besides 500 Marks for the

Glass Windows: This was about a Year and Half before it was finished; by which some Sort of Estimate may be made of the whole Expence‡ 1.34."

From this Ile, by a stately Flight of eight Steps, we approach the Choir. The Screen abovementioned is of the Composite Order, and adorned on the Right Hand with a Statue of James I. and on the Left of Charles I. They are both of Brass, and were given, together with the Screen itself, by the latter of these Monarchs. During the Civil Wars, the Pres|sbyterians, among other Outrages, barbarously defaced and abused both these Statues, but particularly that of Charles; at tempting to break off the Crown, and declaring with much malicious Triumph, that they would bring him back to the Parliament§ 1.35.

The Stalls are of Norway Oak, and are a masterly Piece of Gothic Spire Work, being at once elegant and majestic. They were erected by Prior Silkestede, as appears by his Name out on the Pulpit* 1.36, with which they are terminated on the North Side. He died A.D. 1524. On

the same Side stands the Organ, which was re|moved thither by the Command of Charles I. from the old Screen, where it was justly supposed to intercept the View from the West to the East End. The Stalls on the South Side are bounded by the Bishop's Throne, erected by Bishop Tre|lawney, translated from Exeter, A.D. 1706. The Pediment, which is embellished with a Mitre and the Arms of the See impaling those of his Family, is supported by fluted Columns of the Corinthian Order. The Vaulting of the Roof of the Choir was executed in the Reign of Charles I. there being, before this, an Opening from the Choir into the first Story or Room of the Tower; on which Account the Side Arches of this first Story, being intended to be seen from below, are wrought and ornamented. We find the same Opening in the Tower of St. Cross, built about the same Time. It was undoubtedly looked upon as a Beauty in the Architecture; and had, in some Measure, the same Effect, as the Louvre, or open Lantern formerly used in great Halls. Height of Roof in the Inside was also a favourite Circumstance in Structure of this Sort, which was produced from this Expedient in a very striking Degree. The Arms and Initials of the King, with those of his Queen Mary, and of John Young, Dean at that Time, are intro|duced among the Ornaments of the Vaulting, which is of Wood. The two Branches are the

Gift of the late Dean, Dr. Cheney; who has left, by Will, 220l. for paving the Choir with Marble.

In the Pannels below the Stalls, under the Organ, and on the opposite Side are some Me|morials of the new Foundation of Henry VIII. viz. the Date 1540, in which the new Establish|ment commenced: The King's Arms with H.R. Henricus Rex: The Arms of the Church, given by the said King§ 1.37: The Portcullis, and the Arms of William Kyngesmill, the first Dean, with W.K. The Arms of a Bishop of Winchester‡ 1.38. These, I suppose, were put up at the Alteration of the House.

In the Area leading to the high Altar, is a plain raised Monument, of a greyish Stone, without any Inscription, under which, William Rufus, who was killed in the neighbouring new Forest, A.D. 1000, is buried. This Tomb was opened by the Rebels in the Civil Wars, who stole from thence the Remains of a Cloth of Gold, a Ring set with Rubies, said to be worth 500l. and a small Silver Chalice.

With this Area the Presbytery begins, which is ornamented with a Roof highly finished in a different Taste from that of the Tower, and is

separated, on each Side, from the North and South Iles, by a well-executed Partition Wall of open Work. On the Top of either Wall are placed three Shrines, or Chests, beautifully carved, painted, and gilded, with a Crown on each, in which are enclosed the Bones of several of the West Saxon Kings, Bishops, and some later Princes, who had been originally buried behind the Altar or in different Parts of the Church. These Remains were thus no less pi|ously than carefully collected and deposited, by Bishop Fox, A.D. 1525. Their Names, &c. are inscribed on every Chest, which the Reader will find among the Tombs and Monumental Inscriptions.

The Ascent to, and Area of, the high Altar, is paved with Marble, by the Benefaction of Dr. William Harris, Prebendary, and School-master of Winchester College, who dying, A.D. 1700, bequeathed 800 l. for ornamenting the Altar. The Wood Work about the Altar was erected by Bishop Fox: But the Canopy, with its Fes|toons, and other Ornaments, were added, about the Time when the new Screen of Inigo Jones, at the Choir-Entrance, was built, as I conjecture from C R in the Cornice.

The two Doors or Entrances on each Side still remain, through which the Priest approached the Altar from the Sanctum Sanctorum. The

Tops of three Niches are likewise remaining over the Altar, which probably contained three Images representing the Trinity. A good Piece of Painting would be a noble and proper Im|provement of this superb Altarpiece. Behind is a a very lofty Screen, or Partition of Stone, charged with most exquisite Embellishments of Gothic Workmanship, and infinitely superior, in Point of finishing, to another of the same Sort in St. Al|ban's Abbey Church. The Niches, before the Reformation, were filled with Statues; but are at present supplied with Urns, which by some are thought inconsistent Decorations. These were the Gift of Dr. William Harris abovementioned† 1.39.

The Screen, Side Partition-Walls, Roof of the Presbytery, and of the adjoining Side Iles, with their Walls and Windows, were finished at the Expence, or by the Interest, of Bishop Fox, A.D. 1525, as appears by his Name and Arms carved in many Places. The same liberal Bene|factor new glazed, with painted Glass, as he had new made, the Windows of this Part of the Church; that is, the Choir Windows, and those of the parallel Iles. He likewise fronted the Boundary of the Choir, on the Outside, with two beautiful Pinnacles, and other ornamental Architecture, among which his Statue is placed, cloathed in the Episcopal Habit. He probably

intended to complete the Remainder of the East End in the same Style† 1.40.

It is said, and from good Authority, that the Bishop was assisted in this Work by Prior Sil|kestede§ 1.41. This Prior, at least, co-operated with Fox in improving the Church by building the Stalls, and a Chapel, about the Time when Fox began these Alterations‖ 1.42. His Initials T.S. are in the Roof of Fox's Presbytery. It should seem that Cardinal Henry Beaufort left some Money for this Purpose, as H.B. appears on the Outside of the South Partition Wall, and over its En|trance. He died not many Years before Fox was advanced to the Bishoprick.

In the Grand Rebellion, the Altar-Screen, just mentioned, was artfully protected from the Vio|lence of the Presbyterians, by Means of an ex|temporaneous Wall, or Partition, erected in a parallel Line just before it, so as entirely to con|ceal its Beauties from the Observation of the sa|crilegious Intruders. Other Parts of the Church did not however escape the mistaken Zeal of these Enemies to all that was graceful or ma|jestic. On the 16th of December, 1642, the Soldiers of Sir William Waller entered the Church,

where they broke in Pieces the carved Work of the Choir, containing the Story of the Old and New Testament in admirable Imagery, destroyed the Organ† 1.43, seized the rich Tapestry, Cushions, and Vestments of the Choir, with the Vessels of the Altar, threw down the Communion Table, and carrying off the Rails, which enclosed it, burnt them in their Quarters. After this, they defaced many of the Monuments; and pulling down some of the Chests which contained the Remains of the Saxon Kings, they threw their Bones against the painted Glass, which they thus destroyed throughout the Church‡ 1.44. But the beautiful Window over the Altar, exhibiting the Pourtraits of several Saints and Bishops of this Church, being more out of their Reach, and less exposed than the rest, is still preserved entire, together with a few Figures on the Windows contiguous. The grand West Window seems to be made up of the dispersed Fragments, which, imperfect as it is, has a fine Effect, and leaves the pensive Imagination to supply that religious

Light which was diffused over all the Church, when every Window retained its original Splendor.

The East End of the Church is terminated by three Chapels. That on the South is adorned with a Monument of Thomas Langton, Bishop of Winchester, who died A.D. 1500. The Rood-Loft consists of elegant Gothic Carving in Wood; and both the Sides are finished in the same Taste. But the Work has been much damaged. Under the Window are several Niches for Statues. The Bishop is said to have built this Chapel† 1.45. The Roof is painted with a Hen on a Tun, being a Rebus on Henton, the Place of his Nativity, and partly on his Name. The Inscription

"Laus tibi Christe."

The Chapel in the Centre, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was erected by Prior Silkestede before mentioned, and is used at present for early Prayers. His Name is on the Roof; and on the Sides, which are adorned with ancient Painting, are embossed the Arms of England, of Silkestede, of the See, a Rebus on T. Langton, viz. T.L. with a Tun, as in his Chapel just described, and who was Bishop in the former Part of Silkestede's Priorate, for whom also a Tun is introduced on the Cieling. The Inscriptions,

"ad gloriam dei."

The same Embossments appear on the Outside

of the Building in the Church-yard. In this Chapel Queen Mary was married to King Philip, and the Chair in which she was seated, during the Ceremony, still remains near the Altar. It is a Mistake † 1.46 that this Prior built the Chapel in the South Ile, called Silkestede's Chapel. Pro|bably he might use it as a private Oratory, or perhaps might be interred in it. He seems to have born some Relation to it, for opposite to it are the Remains of a Canopy, under which the Presses for the Ch••…••… Vestments are placed, which formerly seems to have been the Covering of Stalls, and still preserves in the Cornice the initial Letters of Silkestede's Name often repeated. These I suppose belonged originally to the oppo|site Chapel. It is not unlikely that Silkestede altered the Windows on this Side of the Tran|sept; for on the Library Window, contiguous to them on the Outside, is carved T.S. for Thomas Silkestede, as I have before observed. The elegant Screen of this little Chapel was at least erected by this Prior; for on it is carved in large ornamented Gothic Capitals,

C HD MA S S

On the North Side of the Virgin Mary's Chapel, is a small Chapel perhaps dedicated to

S. Michael, as the Pourtraiture of that Angel ap|pears in many Parts of the Roof.

About the Middle of the great Western Ile stands an ancient Font. It is a square massy Block of jet-coloured Marble, in which a cir|cular Bason is formed for the Water. It is three Feet three Inches over, and supported by a plain Pedestal of Stone. The Sides of the Square are embellished with rude Bass Relievos, which seem to represent the Miracles of some Saint belonging to this Church. If we may judge from the Stile of the Architecture introduced in the Carving on the South Side, this singular Monument of Antiquity was the Workmanship of the Saxon Times.

In the Northern Transept are some imperfect Traces of antient Painting, supposed to repre|sent the Combat of Guy Earl of Warwick, with the Danish Champion before mentioned§ 1.47.

By Way of recapitulating what has been said concerning the building this Church, I shall observe, that it contains three Stiles of Archi|tecture,

agreeable to the Taste of the three different Ages, in the Progress of which it grew to the present Perfection. The first is the Saxon, of which is the Tower, the Transept, and the Eastern Iles, for the most Part built, or be|gun, by Walkelyne. The second is the Gothic, simply so called, of which are the Western Iles and West Front, erected by Wykeham. The third is the ornamental or improved Gothic, which began about the Reign of Henry VI. and of which the Presbytery, Side Iles, and outward East End of the Choir, by Fox, as well as our Lady's Chapel, by Silkestede, are elegant Specimens.

TOMBS AND MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTIONS.

On the South Partition Wall of the Presbytery, the first Chest from the Altar has this Inscription.

Edredus Rex, obiit Anno 955.Hic pius in tumulo Rex Edredus requiescit Qui has Britonum terras rexerat egregie.

On the second is inscribed:

Edmundus Rex obiit . . . . . .Quem theca haec retinet Edmundum suscipe Christe Qui vivente Patre Regia sceptra tulit.

The third Chest formerly contained the Bones of Canutus, and of William Rufus, who was interred below. This Chest had once this Inscription.

Hic jacent Ossa Cnutonis et Willelmi Rufi.

The present Inscription is this.

In hac et altera è regione cistà Reliquiae sunt Ossium Canuti et Rufi Regum; Emmae Reginae, Winae et Alwini Episcoporum.

On the first Chest on the Outside of the North Partition Wall.

Rex Kingilsus obiit 641.

On the Choir Side of the Chest.

Adulphus Rex obiit 857.

On the Outside.

Kingulsti in cista hac simul offa jacent et AdulphiAlter Fundator hic Benefactor erat.

On the second Chest.

Adulphus Rex obiit 754.

On the Outside of the same.

Egbertus obiit 837. Hic Rex Egbertus pausat cum Rege KenulphoNobis egregie munera uterque tulit.

The third Chest formerly contained the Bones of Bishop Wina.

Hic jacent ossa Winac Episcopi.

With Bishop Wina's were enclosed the Bones of Stigand, at first Bishop of Winchester; after|wards translated to the See of Canterbury, A.D. 1052: and on the North Side of the Coffin was this Inscription.

Hic jacet Stigandus Archiepiscopus.

But at present this Inscription is placed thereon.

In hac cistà, A.D. 1661, promiscuè recondita sunt Ossa Principum et Praelatorum sacrilegà barbarie dispersa, A.D. 1642.

Under the second Chest, on the South Wall, we read the following Inscription.

Intus est Corpus Ricardi, Willielmi Conques|toris Filii, et Beorniae Ducis.

Under the same Wall, under the second Chest, is entombed the Heart of Ethelmarus, Bishop of Winchester, with this Inscription.

Obiit Anno 1261. Corpus Ethelmari, cujus cor nunc tenet istud Saxum, Parisiis morte datur tumulo.

Near the Choir Entrance in the same Wall is this Inscription.

Intus est cor Nicolai olim Wintoniensis Epis|copi cujus corpus est apud Waverly.

On the North Side of the Wall formerly stood a fourth Chest, containing the Bones of the Bishops Elmstan and Kynulphus, with this In|scription.

Pontifices haec capsa duos duos tenet incineratos, Primus Elmstanus, huic successorque Kynulphus.

The Monument of Bishop Alfimus was on the same Wall, Eastward from Bishop Elmston's, with this Inscription.

Alfymus plumbo praesul requiescit in isto.

Under Kingulstus's Chest, in the same Wall, is this Inscription.

Qui jacet hic Regni Sceptrum tulit Hardicanutus Emmae Cnutonis gnatus et ipse fuit. Obiit A.D. IIII^o.

In the same Wall.

Alwinus Obiit 1047. Hic jacet Alwini corpus, qui munera nobis Contuli•• Egregia, parcito Christe pio.

In the same Wall, within the Choir, is this Inscription for Queen Emma.

Hic Emmam cista Reginam continet ista, Duxit Etheldredus Rex hanc, et postea Cnutus; Edwardum parit haec, ac Hardicanutum Quatuor hos Reges haec vidit Sceptra tenentes; Anglorum Regum fuit haec sic Mater et Uxor.

Under the Monument of Bishop Alfimus, we read this Inscription.

Defuncti Corpus tumulus tenet iste Johannis Pointes† 1.48, Wintoniae praesulis eximii. Obiit Anno 1304.

In the Wall on the same Side, under the Chest of Wina, is the Monument of Bishop Toclive, with this Inscription.

Praefulis egregii pausant his membra Ricardi Toclive, cui summi gaudia sunto poli. Obiit Anno 1189.

At the East End of the Southern Partition lies the Body of Richard Fox, Bishop of Win|chester, the pious Founder of Corpus Christi College in Oxford, under a Shrine, which is a most finished Specimen of the improved orna|mental Gothic. Adjoining to the Shrine is a small private Oratory, built with the rest, which he usually frequented for his Devotion, and which is still called Bishop Fox's Study. He died A.D. 1528.

At the East End of the Northern Partition Wall is interred Stephen Gardiner, Bishop of this See, under a Shrine of plain Architecture. He died A.D. 1555. The recumbent Figure of the Bishop was much injured in the Civil Wars.

Behind the Sanctum Sanctorum is a traverse Wall, at the Bottom of which we discern the Entrance into the Vault, where the Saxon Kings already mentioned were first buried. Over it is this Inscription.

Sancta Maria et Dominus Jesus.

Over the Entrance from End to End are these Names.

Kyngulstus Rex. Kinewaldus Rex. Adul|phus Rex. Edwardus Rex Senior. S. Birinus Episcopus. Egbertus Rex. Aluredus Rex filius ejus. Athelstanus Rex filius ejus.

Edredus Rex. Edgar Rex. Emma Regina. Alwinus Episcopus. Etheldredus Rex. S. Ed|wardus Rex filius ejus. Canutus Rex. Hardi-Canutus filius ejus.

Over each Name is a well ornamented Niche and Pedestal. Under the whole is this Inscription.

Corpora Sanctorum sunt hic in pace sepulta Ex meritis quorum fulgent miracula multa.

The Niches abovementioned seem to have made, or ornamented, by Fox. The Arms above are of Charles I.

In the Area, on the East Side of this Wall, is a sumptuous and stately Monument, to the Memory of Henry Beaufort, Cardinal of St. Eu|sebius, and Bishop of Winchester. His Effigies is represented in the Cardinal's Habit. The In|scription is now totally lost, this being all, according to Godwyn, that remained legible near two hundred Years ago.

Tribularer si nescirem misericordias tuas.

He was a liberal Benefactor to the Hospital of St. Cross, near this City, as I have before ob|served, and died A.D. 1447.

Opposite to it, and designed in evident Imita|tion of it, is the magnificent Shrine and Monu|ment of William Wainfleet, Bishop of Winchester,

the munificent Founder of Magdalen College in Oxford. He is represented on the Tomb in his Episcopal Habit, grasping his Heart between his Hands. The Roof and Spire Work of the Shrine is perhaps superior, in Exuberance of Orna|ment, and Height of finishing, to any Structure of the same Kind. It was gratefully repaired by Magdalen College A.D. 1741. Hedied A.D. 1486.

Westward of this are the Traces of the Effigies of a Bishop, said to be St. Swythun.

Near these is a Monument, raised somewhat higher than the Pavement, said to be that of Lucius the first Christian King. It has no In|scription to illustrate this improbable Conjecture.

At the Bottom of the Steps, on the South Side of the Choir, are two very ancient Monuments; one of which has no Inscription, the other be|longs to a Prior of the Convent, who died A.D. 1295, and is thus inscribed.

Hic jacet Williemus de Basing, quondam Prior istius Ecclesiae, cujus animae propitietur Deus, & qui pro anima ejus oraverit, tres annos & quinquaginta dies Indulgentiae percipiet.

His Predecessor may with equal Probability be the Prior here interred, whose Name was likewise William de Basynge, and who died A.D. 1284.

Near the Stone Pulpit in the Body of the Church, we read the following Epitaph to the first Dean of this Cathedral.

Wilhelmus Kingsmell prior ultimus, Decanus
primus Ecclesiae . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Obiit 1548. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Almost contiguous is the following Inscription.

Robertus Horne Theologiae Doctoreximius, quon|dam Christi caufa exul, deinde Episcopus Winton. pie obiit in Domino Jun. 1. 1580. Episcopatus sui Anno 19.

Opposite to the former, upon another Marble, this Inscription appears.

D. Johannes Watson hujus Ecclesiae Winton. Prae|bendarius, Decanus ac Deinde Episcopus, Pruden|tissimus Pater, Vir optimus, praecipue erga inopes mis••••icors. Obiit in Domino Januar. 23. Anno Aetatis suae 63, Episcopatus 4. 1583.

Nearer the Choir is the Tomb of William of Edingdon, Bishop of Winchester, with this Epitaph.

Edyndon natus Wilhelmus hic est tumulatus, Praesul praegratus, in Wintonia Cathedratus, Qui pertranfitis, ejus memorare velitis, Providus & mitis, anfit cum mille peritis, Pervigil Anglorum fuit adjutor populorum, Dulcis egenorum Pater, & Protector eorum, M.C. tribus junctum, post LXV fit I punctum Octava Sanctum notat hunc Octobris inunctum. 1366.
He was a noble Benefactor to the Church.

Not far from the little South Door is the su|perb Tomb and Shrine of WILLIAM of WYKE|HAM, Bishop of Winchester, the munificent

Founder of Winchester College, and of New College in Oxford, who died A.D. 1404. His nobler Shrine is the magnificent Ile, under which he lies entombed, and which was erected at his Expence. The Figure of the Bishop is remarkably fresh, and well preserved: But the Shrine was much injured by the Presbyterians. This grand Mausoleum is placed on the very Spot on which an Altar stood, where Wykeham, when a Boy, constantly fre|quented a Mass called Pekismass§ 1.49. At the Feet of the Bishop are three small Figures of Benedictine Monks; and at his Head two Angels. This Epitaph encompasses the Tomb.

Wilhelmus dictus Wickham jacet hic nece victus, Istius Ecclesiae praesul reparavit, eamque, Largus erat, dapifer, probat hoc cum divite pauper, Consiliis pariter Regni fuerat bene dexter. Hunc docet esse pium fundatio Collegiorum Oxoniae primum stat, Wintoniaeque secundum. Jugiter oretis, Tumulum quicunq{que} videtis Pro tantis meritis quod sit sibi vita perenni••.

Near the Choir is the Figure of a martial Per|sonage, which is much defaced. We learn his Name from the following Inscription.

Hic jacet Willielmus Comes de Insula
Vana alias Wineall.

Besides the Saxon Kings already recited, Ethel|wulf, Edsed and Edwin were interred in this

Church; together with some of its more ancient Bishops not yet mentioned, viz. Denewulf, E•••…•••…|wold, Brithwald, Walkelyne,‡ 1.50 Henry de Bloys, &c.

The more modern Monuments and Inscrip|scriptions of this Church, which are very nume|rous, are here purposely omitted, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a formal and entire Recital of them would have exceeded the Limits of our Plan, and extended our Work to a tedious, and perhaps unnecessary, Prolixity. Those I have described are most likely to engage the Attention of curious Observers, and their Inscrip|tions are such as are not immediately obvious to every Spectator.

From this Survey of the Inside of the Church we would conduct the Spectator to the West End, which is a striking Specimen of the massy Gothic Manner. It is finished with two small Side Spires and a central Pinnacle, with a Niche containing an Episcopal Statue of WILLIAM of WYKEHAM, from whose ample Beneficence this venerable Pile derives its principal Mag|nificence and Beauty.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Tho. Rudborne Hist. Maj. Wint. Ang. Sacr. tom. i. pag. 182, 183.
• * 1.2

  Hist. Maj. ut supr. pag. 218.
• † 1.3

  See Annal. Ec. Wint. ut supr. pag. 294, 295.
• § 1.4

  Rudborne, ibid. 271.
• ‡ 1.5

  Ut infra.
• * 1.6

  Apud Leland. Collecta••. vol. i. pag. 151.
• * 1.7

  Pag. 270, 271, apud Whart. Angl. Sacr. vol. i.
• † 1.8

  Sic.
• ‡ 1.9

  F. Mu••centes.
• * 1.10

  Part 2. fol. 178. seq.
• † 1.11

  Celerariae.
• § 1.12

  Now called the Close-Wall.
• ‡ 1.13

  In the same Instrument Mention is made of the Course of the River now running through the Gardens of the Prebendaries on the East.

  "And because the said Prior and Convent have agreed to maintain Half the Bridge at le Floudestoke in the Soke of Winchester over the River which runs from within the Priory of St. Swythun towards the South, and passes directly by the College there, commonly called Seinte Marie College of Wynchestre, and it's Close on the East Side; also by the College and Close of St. Elisabeth, and its Meadow called St. Stephen's Mede, on the West Side, into the large and deep River which runs from the said College of St. Elisabeth towards the Hospital of St. Cross: And the Bridge, near the great Northern Gate of the Sisterhood of the Hospital of St. Swythun's, but on the East Side of the said Gate, &c."
• § 1.14

  They were originally sixty. About A.D. 1404, forty-two. Leger B. of Church Winton, No. 1. fol. 20. citat, apud Lowth's Wykeham, p. 215. edit. 2d. At a Visitation of the Convent 1505, they are reported to be thirty-five. Success. Priorum Eccl. Winton. apud Wharton, Angl. S. 1. 325; and again in Lowth's Wykeham, forty-six, pag. 69. In the Cata|logue specified in the next No••••, Mention is made of forty-two Copes of Tissue.
• † 1.15

  The curious Reader may find an Account of them in Strype's Cranmer, Append. No. 16. pag. 24. Also in S••••vens's Monastic. b. i. pag. 222. with an Inventory of the Furniture of the Prior's, and Sub-prior's House, &c.
• * 1.16

  It appears likewise by the Episcopal Registers before the Reformation, that most of the Livings, formerly presented to by the Convent, are now in the Patronage of the Dean and Chapter.
• ‡ 1.17

  Willis Mitr. Abb. vol. i. pag. 301. Tanner, Not. Monast. edit. fol. pag. 152.
• § 1.18

  This, with the Addition of other Circumstances, appears from a Precept in the Register of Wykeham's Episcopate, to prohibit the Inhabitants of Winton, or others, from claiming a public Way, or Passage, through the Cloisters, or Court, of the Monastery. Registr. Wykeham. pag. 2. sol. 180. penes Episcopi Winton. Officiar.
• † 1.19

  T. Rudborne, Ang. f. vol. i. pag. 285.
• ‡ 1.20

  Britannia, edit. Gibs. vol. i. pag. 139. See Burton on An|tonin. pag. 221.
• † 1.21

  Wilkins's Concil. vol. iv. pag. 517.
• § 1.22

  Itin. vol. iii. pag. 85. ed. 2.
• ‖ 1.23

  Heylin's Hist. of Presbyt. pag. 540. edit. 1670.
• ‡ 1.24

  Inscribed over the Chimney, with J.Y.D. Joh. Young Decanus. His Arms are over a modern Doorway in the North Transept with the Date 1630. The Church received many Improvements during his Government. His Arms are also on the Roof of the Choir, and in a Window of a Chapel in the South Transept.
• § 1.25

  Walker's Sufferings, part 2, pag. 77.—The King was proclaimed in May preceding.

  "At Winchester the Mayor and Aldermen in their scarlet Gowns met at the Market Cross, and went down to the Cathedral, where they heard a very loyal and eloquent Sermon from Mr. Complyn, Minister of Avington near Winchester. Marching thence into the High|street, the Mayor with the rest of the Corporation ascended a Scaffold, covered with red Cloth, and there solemnly pro|claimed King Charles. The which ended, the Musketeers gave a gallant Volley; then, Silence being commanded, the remaining Part of the Cathedral Singing Men, whereof Mr. Burt, a Gentleman of eighty Years of Age, was one, with the Master of the Choristers, and other musical Gentlemen, sung a solemn Anthem, in a Room built on Purpose somewhat above the Mayor's Scaffold. The Words, O Lord, make thy Servant Charles our gracious King to rejoice in thy Strength, &c."

  Kennet's Register and Chronic. Lond. 1728. pag. 144. See also Mercur. Publ. 4to. No. 21.
• * 1.26

  The same Arms, on the Presbytery Partition-Wall of the Choir, are inscribed EDWARDUS REX. But Edgar was pro|perly the Founder of the Convent. See Dugd. Mon. vol. i. 37, 38, and pag. 981, 982. Also Wilkins's Conc. vol i. pag. 244. In Speed's Hist. Eng. pag. 368. edit. 1614, Ed|ward's Arms are only the Cross. But Edgar's, ibid. pag. 369, The Cross with the Birds, as in this Window, and the Partition-Wall abovementioned. Edgar was the first who added the Birds.
• * 1.27

  See Wykeham's Registr. supr. citat. part 2. fel. 181.
• † 1.28

  Hist. maj. Winton. Angl. Sacr. vol. i. p. 284.
• ‡ 1.29

  Heylin's Cosmograph. pag. 312. ed. 1666.
• § 1.30

  Itinerar. vol. iii. pag. 84. ed. 2.
• * 1.31

  Britann. edit. sec. pag. 142. 70l. i.
• † 1.32

  Willis Mitr. Abb. vol. ii. pag. 207 & 296; and vol. i. pag. 295 & 70. in addend.
• ‡ 1.33

  Willis, ibid. vol. ii. 207. Gale's Mensuration is imper|fect and erroneous, pag. 25.
• ‡ 1.34

  Lowth's Life of Wykeham, pag. 208.
• § 1.35

  Dugdale, ubi infr.
• * 1.36

  The Stone-Pulpit in the Body of the Church was probably used for preaching before the Reformation, as it was for many Years after.

  "Wykeham buildid the great Body of the Church of St. Swithun's, where now the Sermons are made, and where 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…odie is enter••ed, a very princelie Work."

  Stowe's An|nals, by Howes, pag. 351. ed. 1615. This is now entirely disused.
• § 1.37

  Vid. Sigill. Eccles. A Church, in the Gate of which is the Image of the Trinity.
• ‡ 1.38

  As appears by the Garter, and a Mitre, with the initial S, and another Letter doubtful.
• † 1.39

  From his Epitaph.
• † 1.40

  He seems to have reduced the Windows in the West Side of the Northern Transept to their present Form.
• § 1.41

  Willis's Mitr. Ab. vol. i. pag. 301.
• ‖ 1.42

  See Wood's Hist. Univ. Oxon. L. ii. p. 230.
• † 1.43

  One of their Friends has recorded a most extraordinary Anecdote, that in the Houses of the Prebendaries

  "they found great Store of Popish Books, Pictures, and Crucifixes,"

  which after a mock Procession were burnt, with the Organ-pipes, in the Streets. John Vicars's God in the Mount, or England's Parliamentarie Chronicle, &c. 4to. London, 1644, p. 229.
• ‡ 1.44

  Heylin H.st. of Presbyt. pag. 450. edit. 1670. Dugdale's Short View, &c. pag. 558.
• † 1.45

  Leland, Collectan. vol. i. pag. 116.
• † 1.46

  Willis Mitr. Abb. vol. i. pag. 301.
• § 1.47

  Mention is made of a Painting in the Queen's Chapel at Winchester. "The King to the Sheriff of Hants."—

  "Cause to be painted in the Queen's Chapel at Winchester, upon the Gable-End towards the West, the Image of St. Christopher, who holds in his Arms our Blessed Saviour."

  From a Latin Record in the Court of Liveries, 32 Henry III. m. 7. citat. apud Stukeley, Palaeograph. Brit. No. 1. pag. 36. I presume this was some Chapel in the Castle of Winchester, where the Royal Family resided.
• † 1.48

  Sometimes called John De Pontissara, who built St. Elisa|beth's College, mentioned supr. pag. 15.
• § 1.49

  Lowth's Wykeham, pag. 278.
• ‡ 1.50

  It is ••••••d that he was buried before the high Altar, A.D. 1171. But T••••••••••, among his many curious manuscript Inser|tions in Le 〈◊〉〈◊〉's FAST. [Bibl. Bodl. Oxon. In Museola Biblio|thecarii.] acquaints us, that he was buried at Ivinghoe, Co. Bucks, a Manor belonging to the Bishop of Winchester, where he founded a Nunnery. There is a Statue in that Church, which the In|habitants suppose to be his. See Mon. Angl. T. 1. pag. 490. Ivinghoe was, or is, in the Patronage of the Bishop of Winchester.