War Cloister tour - Winchester College

Winchester College's War Cloister is the largest private war memorial in Europe. War Cloister tours bring to life the stories of the pupils and Dons from Winchester who died in both World Wars and subsequent conflicts and are remembered in the Cloister.

History:
War Cloister was the vision of Headmaster Montague Rendall and was originally designed as a memorial to the 500 Wykehamists killed during the First World War, whose names are engraved on the outer walls. Wykehamists who died in World War II were subsequently listed on the inner columns, and memorials have also been added to remember Wykehamists killed in conflicts since 1945.

The great roofed quadrangle was designed by the architect Sir Herbert Baker with contributions from the Art Master R.M.Y. Gleadowe, who designed the gates and the Lombardic script that runs all the way around the cloister. Work began in 1922 and the memorial was dedicated by the Duke of Connaught on 31st May 1924. It has been described by Historic England as the largest private war memorial in Europe.

For more information about War Cloister, please visit: https://www.winchestercollegeatwar.com/warcloister.aspx

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

14.00

Location & directions

College Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9NA

Directions:

Parking is limited around the College and visitors are advised to use public transport, the Park and Ride, or city centre car parks. Follow signs to the Cathedral and walk through the Cathedral Close to St Swithun’s Street, turn left under Kingsgate Arch and bear left into College Street. The Porters’ Lodge (main entrance) to the College can be found on the right hand side.

Contact on day:

Winchester College Enterprises

Telephone number:

+441962621227

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Please pre-book this tour using the link below.

Booking website:

https://www.trybooking.com/uk/EXVX

Booking opens:

02 Jun 2025 09:00 AM

Booking closes:

13 Sep 2025 02:00 PM

Accessibility details

Winchester College is committed to making its tours as accessible as possible. This tour is accessible for wheelchair users; however, please be aware that there is a not a hearing loop in War Cloister.

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

15

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s)

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