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Winchester Buttercross

United Kingdom

9 story sections

High Street landmark dating form the 15th Century

History & cultureBY TELLBY

Contents

9 sections · tap a section for its opening lines
  1. 1Orientation

    Welcome to the Buttercross, one of Winchester’s most charming and historically significant outdoor landmarks. Standing gracefully in the middle of the pedestrianized High Street, this exquisite stone monument dates back to the…

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  2. 2Medieval Commerce and the Dairy Trade

    In the Middle Ages, the High Street was the epicenter of Winchester's commercial life, and the Buttercross served as the vital marker for the dairy market. Markets have been held on this site for as long as people have inhabited…

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  3. 3The Riot of 1770: Saving the Cross

    The Buttercross we see today almost met a premature end in the late 18th century. In 1770, a Georgian developer made plans to purchase the monument and remove it from the High Street, likely viewing it as an obstacle to modern…

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  4. 4The Architecture of the 'Pentice'

    Directly adjacent to the Buttercross is a fascinating architectural feature known as the 'Pentice'. This term refers to the historic buildings where the upper floors are supported by pillars, creating a covered walkway for…

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  5. 5The God Begot House and Royal Neighbors

    Just across the High Street from the Buttercross stands the God Begot House, a striking timber-framed building dating from the mid-15th century. Its name is derived from the Old English 'God Begaton,' which is thought to mean a…

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  6. 6The High Street Clock and Urban Time

    Looking up from the Buttercross, you will see the iconic Winchester Town Clock, which hangs over the High Street from the side of the Old Guildhall. Built in 1713, this clock has regulated the time of the city’s markets and daily…

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  7. 7St. Lawrence Church: The King’s Chapel

    Just a few steps from the Buttercross, tucked behind the High Street in 'The Square,' is the Church of Saint Lawrence. While its 15th-century tower is visible, the Heart of this small church is much older, having been built in…

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  8. 8Winchester Buttercross

    As we conclude our time at the Buttercross, we see it as more than just a beautiful monument; it is the physical anchor of Winchester’s community spirit. It has survived the centuries, not just through the durability of its…

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  9. 9Closing

    As we conclude our time at the Buttercross, we see it as more than just a beautiful monument; it is the physical anchor of Winchester’s community spirit. It has survived the centuries, not just through the durability of its…

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What is Winchester Buttercross?

Winchester Buttercross is a place in United Kingdom with 9 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.

Key facts
LocationUnited Kingdom
TypeHeritage
Story sections9
Text languageEnglish
Coordinates51.0627, -1.3151
Last updated

Nearby places

within a 5-minute walk
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