From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Winchester is a city, county town of Hampshire. The city lies at the heart of the wider City of Winchester, a local government district,and is located at the western end of the South Downs National Park,along the course of the River Itchen.It is situated 68 miles (109 km)south-west of London and 13.6 miles (21.9 km) from Southampton, itsother closest city. At the time of the 2001 Census, Winchester had apopulation of 41,420.
Winchester developed from the Roman town of Venta Belgarum, whichdeveloped from an Iron Age oppidum. Winchester's major landmark isWinchester Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, withthe distinction of having the longest nave and overall length of allGothic cathedrals in Europe. The city is also home to the Universityof Winchester and Winchester College, the oldest public school in theUnited Kingdom. The city's architectural and historic interest, andits fast links to other towns and cities have led Winchester to becomeone of the most expensive and desirable areas of the country. A personwho is from or resides in Winchester is sometimes locally known as aWintonian. Its Old English name was Wintan-ceastre.