The present work in no way aims at being a history, though much of it is cast into a historical mould. Still less is it a guide-book. Its aim has been selective, and it makes no pretence to completeness. In following out some of the numerous avenues of Winchester interest, which seem to open out continually in fresh and unsuspected directions as soon as one commences to wander through her confines, many have received but a cursory examination, and many more have been entirely ignored. The author can only hope his readers will be able to accompany him with pleasurable interest along those which inclination and circumstance have led him to explore. The authorities consulted have been numerous, and from the following published sources of information, as well as many others, valuable information has been obtained:-- Bede, _The English Chronicle_, The Winton Domesday, _The Liber de Hyda_, Rudborne’s _Major Historia Wintoniae_, various of the _Annales Monastici_, the valuable historical documents published some time back by the Hampshire Record Society, Milner’s History, Mr. Kirby’s and Mr. Leach’s volumes on Winchester College, Dean Kitchin’s _Winchester_ in the Historic Towns Series, and Adams’s _Wykehamica_. The author regrets that, through a _lapsus calami_, the title of Bramston and Leroy’s _Historic Winchester_ was misapplied in the Hampshire volume to Dr. Kitchin’s book. For this error he here apologises. Finally, the author wishes here to express his thanks to many friends who in various ways have assisted him in what has been to him a most pleasant task, viz., that of serving in some degree, though but inadequately, as chronicler to his adopted city. THE AUTHOR. WINCHESTER, _June 1910_. Contents PAGE CHAPTER I ‘WYNGESTER, THAT JOLY CITÈ’ 1 CHAPTER II EARLY DAYS 10 CHAPTER III THE ROMAN OCCUPATION 15 CHAPTER IV SAXON WINCHESTER 20 CHAPTER V THE CAPITAL OF ENGLAND 26 CHAPTER VI ALFRED 34 CHAPTER VII ALFRED’S DEATH AND SIXTY YEARS AFTER 43 CHAPTER VIII ÆTHELWOLD, SAINT AND BISHOP 49 CHAPTER IX THE CAPITAL OF THE DANISH EMPIRE 59 CHAPTER X NORMAN WINCHESTER 73 CHAPTER XI LATER NORMAN DAYS 87 CHAPTER XII A GREAT BISHOP, HENRY OF BLOIS 100 CHAPTER XIII