Historic figures

Throughout history, a wealth of now-legendary historic figures have lived in or made an impact on Winchester.

King Alfred the Great (c 849-899)
Scholar, soldier, statesman, King Alfred rebuilt Winchester after the Dark Ages and made it his capital. Today his imposing bronze statue dominates the Broadway. His last known resting place has been commemorated with the opening in 2003 of Hyde Abbey Garden, designed by leading landscape architect and former pupil of Winchester College, Kim Wilkie.

St Swithun (d. 862)

Bishop of Winchester and reputed tutor to King Alfred. Pilgrims visited his shrine in the cathedral, which was destroyed by Henry VIII’s commissioners. Today he is remembered with a modern memorial in the cathedral. The legend of St Swithun originates in Winchester: according to the story, the saint’s remains were moved, against his dying wishes, from their resting place in a simple tomb in the grounds of the cathedral to a splendid shrine in the inner sanctum, where upon it proceeded to rain for 40 days as a sign of his displeasure. Now, if it rains on the saint’s day (15 July), it is said to herald another 39 days of wet weather.

Jane Austen (1775-1817)

One of the world’s best-loved novelists, Jane Austen lived at Chawton from 1809 and came to Winchester to be nearer her doctor during her last illness. She died in a house in College Street. Her grave and a memorial are in the cathedral.

William Walker

The diver who saved Winchester Cathedral from collapse. For six years (1905-1912), he dived below the east end, replacing rotten timbers and masonry. A statue commemorating his achievements is in the cathedral.