Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation

Winchester was England’s capital from the time of Alfred the Great until after the Norman Conquest. The Cathedral was its royal chapel – much as Westminster serves the capital today. Much of England’s early history was based here and twelve English kings are believed to be buried here. It’s a monument to the heritage of England, and one of the most historically significant buildings in Britain.

This summer, Winchester Cathedral launched a spectacular new exhibition Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation. A three-level exhibition space in the South Transept will take you through over 1,000 years of history. You’ll see highlights of some of the nation’s greatest treasures and enjoy awe-inspiring views of the Cathedral.

There are four exciting galleries to explore:

• marvel at the Winchester Bible, the largest and finest of all surviving 12th-century English Bibles on the ground floor
• exploring the 17th-century Morley Library on the Mezzanine level
• unlock the mysteries of Winchester Cathedral, and
• discover Winchester’s unique role in shaping early English history on the Triforium level.

Entry to Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation is included with admission to Winchester Cathedral. Please visit the Cathedral website for more information and opening times: winchester-cathedral.org.uk.

Trains to Winchester Cathedral

Getting to the Cathedral couldn't be easier, with regular trains from London Waterloo, Woking, Basingstoke, Southampton, Portsmouth and Bournemouth. Leaving the station, it's just a 12-minute walk through Winchester city centre, or 10 minutes using the King's City 5, Bluestar 1, or number 66 bus routes.