File:Wessex (1906) (14592718437).jpg

Identifier: wessex00hollrich (find matches)
Title: Wessex
Year: 1906 (1900s)
Authors: Holland, Clive, 1866- Tyndale, Walter, 1855-1943
Subjects: Dorset (England) -- Description and travel
Publisher: London : Adam & Charles Black
Contributing Library: University of California Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: MSN

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ewsfrom them of the venerable cathedral standing on themore level ground in the centre of the old town, whichcontains so much of architectural and antiquarianinterest. Identified with national history from the very earliesttimes, Winchester was originally a Celtic town situatedon St Catherines Hill and known as Gwent, after-wards renamed by the Romans Venta Belgarum, andwas connected by roads, some of which remain till thepresent day, with other cities—Calleva (Silchester),Portus Magnus (Porchester), and Sorbiodunum (Salis-bury). The Roman city was an important one, andfew places in England have yielded so many and suchinteresting remains of the occupation. The great Roman road which passed through thetown in those far-off days is still preserved in the guiseof the modern High Street, south of which then laythe more important part of the city. The name ofWintanceastre was given to the place by the Saxonswhen they took it in 495 ; and after the final subduing 220 I i A WESSEX VILLAGE
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Anglo-Saxon Winchester of the Britons it was created the capital of Wessex, andfrom that date its ecclesiastical history may be said tohave commenced. Indeed, it may be considered atthis period to have been the capital of England itself,for it was here that Egbert proclaimed his lordship ;that ^thelwulf made his gift to the Church ; Edwardthe Elder, Alfred the Great, Athelstan, and Canuteheld their courts ; and many of the ancient kings ofWessex were crowned and buried. Winchester in those early days underwent, as didso many other towns, great vicissitudes, and duringthe reign of Athelstan it was attacked by the Danes ;and according to a legend the issue was decided bya single combat between the famous Guy, Earl ofWarwick, and Colbrand, the champion of the invaders.It was also at Winchester that William the Conqueror,Stephen, and Richard I. were crowned ; and duringthe reign of the first-named the great fair on St GilesHill, which was destined afterwards to raise the city tosuch a hei

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