Last weekend, we shared five fascinating facts about Winchester Cathedral, exploring some of the remarkable stories behind one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
But with centuries of history contained within its walls, there is plenty more to discover.
From an ancient weather legend that is still quoted today to appearances on the big and small screen, Winchester Cathedral has countless stories that even those who have lived in the city for years may not know.
The historic building is also home to extraordinary medieval treasures, while the unusual conditions beneath its foundations have helped shape its history and created one of the cathedral’s most striking sights.
So, following on from our first five facts, here are five more fascinating things you might not know about Winchester Cathedral.
1. The Legend of St Swithun and 40 Days of Rain
Winchester's connection with St Swithun has given Britain one of its best-known weather legends. Swithun was a ninth-century Bishop of Winchester whose shrine became an important destination for medieval pilgrims. According to the famous saying, rain on St Swithun's Day, July 15, means another 40 days of wet weather will follow. The legend has endured for centuries and ensures the Winchester saint's name is still mentioned whenever rain clouds gather in the middle of July.
2. A Cathedral Fit for the Big Screen
Winchester Cathedral's spectacular interior has also attracted television and film crews. Its medieval architecture has allowed it to double for other famous historic buildings, with the cathedral used as a filming location for major productions including Netflix's The Crown. It also featured in the 2006 film The Da Vinci Code. Its vast interior, historic stonework and atmospheric surroundings have made Winchester an impressive backdrop for productions seen by audiences around the world.
3. Home to the Magnificent Winchester Bible
Among the cathedral's greatest treasures is the Winchester Bible, one of the finest surviving English Bibles from the 12th century. Created during the cathedral's medieval heyday, the huge handwritten manuscript is renowned for its elaborate illustrations and vivid colours. Producing a book on such a scale required extraordinary skill and expensive materials, making it a powerful reminder of Winchester's wealth, importance and religious influence during the Middle Ages.
4. The Extraordinary Story Beneath Its Foundations
The ground beneath Winchester Cathedral has played a major role in its history. The building stands in an area with a naturally high water table, which caused serious problems for its foundations. By the beginning of the 20th century, sections of the cathedral were at risk as the waterlogged ground beneath them became unstable. An enormous engineering project was required to secure the building, leading to William Walker's famous work beneath the cathedral and ensuring the landmark could survive for future generations.
5. A Crypt That Disappears Beneath the Water
The cathedral's atmospheric Norman crypt provides one of its most unusual sights. Because of Winchester's high water table, the crypt can flood during periods of particularly wet weather, with water covering sections of its floor. Standing amid the water is Sound II, a life-sized figure created by renowned sculptor Antony Gormley. The sculpture depicts a solitary figure holding its cupped hands in front of its body, creating a particularly striking scene when the crypt fills with water.
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