Gormley at Winchester Cathedral

Over Easter we took in a bit of culture.  Years back the Gormley human sculptures were lurking on rooftops across London and I loved them (after the initial panic when they first arrived that there were ‘jumpers’ all over London), in fact there is still one right outside our office!  When I heard about the sculpture in Winchester Cathedral from Emma, I had to visit.  It is a stunning setting – in a crypt full of water, the iron statue stands as if reading a prayer book. Well worth the visit!

I have never been to see the cathedral before so we had a proper look around since we’d paid to go in.  We’ve been in the cathedral grounds many a time for the Christmas market, but never strayed inside the building.  As one would expect it is a very grand cathedral. It was quite dark when we were there as it was Easter Saturday – it was purposefully dimly lit so that it could be enlightened at the Sunday service.  Even so…

Gorgeous stained glass:

A stunning ceiling and nave:

Clever viewing mirrors to avoid a cricked neck:

And add some humour to the photos!

The altar was quite something – so intricate and beautiful:

And all sorts of hidden places we couldn’t explore that left me wanting to know whats behind the door:

Apparently there are lots of ‘green men’ in the cathedral.  Here is one.  I had to look this up when we got home.  Apparently it is an ancient symbol and the most pagan thing one can find in a church.  Apparently the key thing is that the man is within foliage – hence I guess, the fact he is ‘green’?

Jane Austen is buried in the cathedral.  Of course I know she was local, however I didn’t realise this until we walked past this:

There is a stunning old part to the chapel which has beautiful murals:

After our cultural afternoon we did of course ensure adequate balance to the day.  With a drink or two in the Wykeham Arms (the cutest pub in Winchester festooned with school-room furniture):

Followed by supper nearby and drinks at my favourite bar – The Black Bottle (where wine comes from dispensers dotted through the building).

We don’t spend enough time in Winchester, it is fantastic for culture, shopping, coffee, supper and drinks.  I suspect we will find ourselves living there in due course and so it is good to have started exploring it more!  Spending Easter at home was great – April so far has been manic so it was good to end March by staying local and enjoying some R&R and a little garden exploring.