Winchester Castle

Overview

Winchester Castle was a major Norman fortress located in the historic city of Winchester, Hampshire. Built shortly after the Norman Conquest, it served as a royal residence, administrative centre, and symbol of royal authority in southern England. Though much of the castle was destroyed during the English Civil War, one great building survives — the Great Hall, one of the finest examples of 13th-century architecture in England and home to the legendary Round Table of King Arthur.

Early history

The castle was founded in 1067 by William the Conqueror, only a year after his victory at Hastings. Winchester, then one of the most important cities in England and a former Saxon capital, was chosen as a key royal stronghold. The original motte-and-bailey structure occupied the western end of the city, adjacent to the old Roman walls. Successive monarchs, including Henry I and Henry II, strengthened the fortifications and expanded the royal apartments, establishing Winchester as a favoured royal residence.

Building and layout

By the 12th century, Winchester Castle had developed into a vast stone complex enclosing royal halls, chapels, chambers, and administrative offices. The Great Hall, constructed between 1222 and 1235 by Henry III, replaced an earlier building and became the architectural and symbolic heart of the castle. Built of dressed stone with tall arcaded windows and an open timber roof, it was designed for royal audiences, feasts, and judicial proceedings. The surrounding castle included towers, a keep, and extensive curtain walls defending the royal precinct.

Later history and decline

The castle remained a royal centre throughout the Middle Ages and was frequently used for councils and courts. During the reign of Henry VIII, it served as the seat of the Assizes and as a military depot. In 1649, after the execution of Charles I, Parliament ordered the demolition of most royal castles, and Winchester was largely destroyed. Only the Great Hall was spared, preserved for its civic and judicial importance. In the 19th century, the site became the location of the county courts and the newly built Winchester Castle prison.

Present condition

Today, the Great Hall is all that remains of the medieval castle above ground, standing as one of the most impressive surviving halls of its period. Inside hangs the famous Round Table, a large painted wooden disc traditionally associated with King Arthur but actually dating from the late 13th century. The site is managed by Hampshire County Council and open to visitors, offering displays on Winchester’s history, the castle’s role in royal government, and its Arthurian legend. The Great Hall continues to symbolise the endurance of English law, monarchy, and myth in one of England’s most historic cities.