The ruins of Wolvesey Castle are at a short distance south-east from the college. This castle, once the residence of the bishops of Winchester, was built in 1133 by Henry de Blois, brother of Kiug Stephen and bishop of Winchester, on the site of a former palace of the Saxon kings. It was a place of great strength till it was dis mantled in the reign of Henry II. It continued to be the residence of the bishops till it was demolished by Cromwell in 1646. The epis copal palace begun iu 1634 was suffered to go to decay, aud the greater part of it was taken down about 40 years ago. The present plain but neat episcopal residence was formed out of the west wing of the former building : it is now occupied during pleasure by the Diocesan Training school for masters. The Cross, in the High-street, is a square structure on an octagonal base of five steps. The circumference of the lowest step is 49 feet, and the height is 44 feet. Tho cross consists of three tiers of gothic nrchwork, with ornamented niches and canopies. Winchester Castle stood ou an eminence outside the city wall on the south-west. It was built by William the Conqueror in 1063, and blown up by Cromwell jn 1645. The ruins were entirely removed when Charles II. began his palace. The chapel of Winchester Castle, which was a building detached from the castle, has since been con verted into a court for holding the assizes. A curious piece of anti quity, called King Arthur's Round Table, is suspended over the judges' seat. Symonds' College (properly Christ's Hospital) was founded in 1007, by Peter Symonds, a native of Winchester, and afterwards a mercer of the city of Loudon. The endowments are applied to the maintenance of six old men, one matron, and four boys, and also to the assistance of one scholar in each of the two English uuiversities. The Matrons' College, built by Bishop Morley in 1672, and endowed for the support of 10 clergymen's widows, stands on the site of the monastery of St. Grimbald, founded in A.D. 898, by King Alfred.
Most of the churches in Winchester are ancient. One of the most curious for its situation is the parish church of St.. Swithiu, built by King John over the old postern of St. Michael, or King's Gate. St. Thomas's parish church has been rebuilt. There is a new church in the parish of St. Maurice. The Wesleyan Methodists, Independents,
Baptists, and Roman Catholics have places of worship. There is also a convent of Benedictines at Winchester. There are several National schools, a mechanics iustitute, a Church of England library aud reading-room, a Church of England Young Men's Society, a museum, and a savings bank. A county count is held in the town. The guild hall, or town-hall, in High-street, was built in 1711. Some articles curious for their antiquity are kept in it, especially the ancient standards of measure. The market-house was built in 1772. A new county jail, bridewell, police station, and offices have been erected outside the West Gate. The county hospital was established iu 1736, but the present building was not erected till 1759. St. John's House, which is the public banqueting-room and assembly-room, is on the site of the hospital of St. John the Baptist. There are a small theatre, and a public library and reading-rooms.
The hospital of St. Cross, about one mile S. from Winchester, was founded and endowed in 1136, by Henry de Blois, bishop of Win chester, as a permanent retreat for 13 poor men past their strength, and for 100 other poor men, who were to be provided with a dinner. Other charities were added. A glass of ale and a small loaf are still offered to persons who call at the hospital before the day's supply is exhausted. The endowments of this institution have been grossly misappropriated for mnuy years past; but inquiry has recently been made by authority of the government into the manner in which the intentions of the founder have been carried out, with a view to a more appropriate employment of the funds of the charity. The church is a very beautiful cruciform pile; it is chiefly of Norman, but partly of early English date. The other buildings which remain are fine specimens of gothic architecture.
The see of Winchester is in the province of Cauterbury. The diocese includes Hampshire, with the islauds of Wight, Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, Sark, and the county of Surrey; and comprises 521 benefices. It is divided into the archdeacouries of Surrey and Win chester. The chapter consists of the dean, the archdeacons, eight canons, four minor canons, and a chancellor. The iumne of the bishop is fixed at 10,5001. a year.