A one-hour tour of Winchester College's war memorial, War Cloister.
Commemorating 100 years since the opening of the College’s tranquil private war memorial, these tours bring to life the stories of the pupils and Dons from Winchester who died in both World Wars and subsequent conflicts, as well as the architecture, symbolism, and impact of War Cloister today.
War Cloister tours last for one hour and are led by our experienced and friendly War Cloister guides. Tours start at the Porters’ Lodge on College Street, SO23 9NA.
History
War Cloister was the vision of Headmaster Montague Rendall and was originally designed as a memorial to the 500 Wykehamists killed during the First World War, whose names are engraved on the outer walls. Wykehamists who died in World War II were subsequently listed on the inner columns, and memorials have also been added to remember Wykehamists killed in conflicts since 1945.
The great roofed quadrangle was designed by the architect Sir Herbert Baker with contributions from the Art Master R.M.Y. Gleadowe, who designed the gates and the Lombardic script that runs all the way around the cloister. Work began in 1922 and the memorial was dedicated by the Duke of Connaught on 31st May 1924. It has been described by Historic England as the largest private war memorial in Europe.
For more information about War Cloister, please visit: https://www.winchestercollegeatwar.com/warcloister.aspx
Event Times
Friday 13 September: 2:00pm
Saturday 14 September: 2:00pm and 3:30pm
Booking Information
Pre-booking: Required. This event is now fully booked.
Address & Directions
Winchester College, College Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9NA.
Parking is limited around the College and visitors are advised to use public transport, the Park and Ride, or city centre car parks. Follow signs to the Cathedral and walk through the Cathedral Close to St Swithun’s Street, turn left under Kingsgate Arch and bear left into College Street. The Porters’ Lodge (main entrance) to the College can be found on the right hand side.
Additional Information
Max 20 people per session/tour. 1 hour.
Winchester College is committed to making as many of its events as possible accessible to all. Regrettably, the historic nature of the site means that this tour is not accessible to those with mobility restrictions. Please do contact us if you have any questions regarding the accessibility of College Tours.
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Organised by:
Winchester College
Header image: War Cloister Tours_credit Winchester College