Winchester was once the capital of the historic Wessex and Kingdom Of England. But it’s now better known as the county town of Hampshire. An important historical town, especially in the time of William the Conqueror – the Doomsday book was compiled there.

It now features in a new book from Denny Bradbury, Borvo, out this June. It’s
set in the time of Alfred the Great, whose statue is found in the Broadway in
Winchester. She tells the story of a pagan boy who comes to the aid of King
Alfred in the ninth century.

Winchester dates back to 150BC with remains of a fort found on St. Catherine’s
Hill. The Saxons and the Normans both settled in the city.

Many famous authors have lived and stayed in the city and its surrounding
areas, including Jane Austen and John Keates. Upon becoming ill later in
her life, Jane Austen travelled to Winchester in the hope of receiving better
medical care. Winchester was once the second place of medical expertise in
England, after London. She also stayed in a house in Chawston, 17 miles from
Winchester where great classics including ‘Sense and Sensibility’ and ‘Emma’
were written.

It’s said landscape around Winchester inspired John Keats’ famous ‘Ode to
Autumn’.

The most well known landmark in Winchester is its gothic cathedral. It’s the
longest gothic-style cathedral in Europe.

The legend of King Arthur is also of significance to Winchester – an imitation
of the round table hanging in the Great Hall of Winchester Castle. It was created
in the 13th century, bearing the names of Arthur and his knights. Only the Great
Hall remains of the castle now, and it houses a museum of Winchester’s history.

Denny Bradbury sets her new novel Borvo in Winchester for its rich history and
there’s no denying its historical significance.

Sarah Hogan