Winchester College - a Medieval Marvel, Winchester, England (B)

Perched on the top of St Catherine’s Hill the colourful jigsaw that is the historic town of Winchester was spread out below me. This jigsaw comprises its waterways, ecclesiastical buildings and the playing fields, gardens and buildings of Winchester College, the oldest public school in England. Even the hill I had just climbed belongs to this college. Every summer and autumn term the students of the college, the Wykehamists, assert the right of ownership through the traditional Morning Hills one of the many ceremonies connected with the college.

Why Wykehamists? Winchester College in Winchester in Hampshire, England was founded by William of Wykeham in 1382. Wykeham came from a humble background but thanks to a good education he served as the bishop of Winchester and also Lord Chancellor of England. As a very wealthy and important man and decided to give back his own good fortune by founding a school in Winchester and a college at Oxford University. His aim was to educate poor boys who would go on to attend New College at Oxford and provide the church with educated men dedicated to God. Today, this school continues to educate boys. Its purpose is to provide a classic education. It still uses some of the original buildings. Members of the public can book guided tours of the medieval heart of this school – a fascinating experience. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).