Photograph of Winchester Cathedral looking south-east
Taken about 1880
The Cathedral at Winchester was begun by William the Conqueror's Bishop Walkelin in 1079 and consecrated in 1093. The Norman structure is most evident in the transepts, tower and crypt. In this image the characteristic Norman style can be seen in the lower windows of the north transept glimpsed between the trees and in the tower which was rebuilt soon after the collapse of the original one in 1107.
Both the interior and the exterior of the nave were significantly altered in the fourteenth century under William of Edington, bishop from 1345-66 and, more particularly, his successor William of Wykeham. It was as clerk of the works at Windsor Castle that Wykeham came in contact with the mason William Wynford whom he employed at Winchester to such impressive effect, transforming the appearance of the nave.
The four young boys appear to be enjoying posing for the camera.
The photographer is unknown, but was probably William Savage (1817-87).
