History is a topic that inspires, prompting further investigation into a country’s ancient past. Walking around castle ruins certainly energizes the imagination.
Wolvesey Castle, the former palace of Bishop Henry de Blois (1096 – 1171) grandson of William the Conqueror, and brother of King Stephen is located close to Winchester center. The former capital of England. William the Conqueror ‘commissioned’ Winchester Cathedral thousand years’ ago, and his grandson Henry de Blois ‘commissioned’, the 900-year-old ‘illuminated’ Winchester Bible. Approaching Wolvesey Castle, walking through an archway entrance, and suddenly surrounded by majestic ruins is, to say the least awesome.
Wolvesey Castle is next to the city’s incredibly high medieval city wall, complete with crenellations; a sign that fortification was essential in its day. Many people would have lived at the palace, providing the Bishop and associated clergy with an appropriate degree of service and reverence. Sections such as the treasury, kitchens, and pantry are still visible.
Visitors’ heads glance around in awe and wonder at this former magnificent structure. Although a ruin, with imagination the original structure may manifest itself in the mind’s eye. Perhaps a sixth sense where Wolvesey Castle returns to its original spleandor.
Does the heart connect with whatever is imagined….or real? Receptive vibes? Looking around, the mind may visualize what it must have looked like prior to its destruction.
Some of the remaining structures are incredibly high. Exposed steps leading far above towards the sky above, seemingly leading nowhere; perhaps an elevation to a Divine Universe?
Ruins; especially former grand and ancient castles, may harbour spiritual elements which may be ‘transmitted’ but not necessarily received.
Wolvesey Castle’s fortitude and elegance project its former majesty.
A few minutes walk to the 1000-year-old Winchester Cathedral (commissioned by William the Conqueror). The Cathedral, though vast, is spiritually ‘warm’ and welcoming, blessing visitors with a feeling of serenity, peace, and tranquillity. Kindness and empathy are readily exchanged.
In the South Transept The award-winning Kings and Scribes Exhibition literally transports visitors to another level of historic significance; Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Danish, and the Norman era. Plus the 900-year-old Winchester Bible.
A few minutes walk and the Water Meadows tempt visitors to stroll along a pathway aside the chalk-based River Itchen. From a castle ruin, iconic Cathedral to witness one of the most beautiful walks; be it Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer.
And it is now Fall. Colors supreme! Enjoy scenes of tranquillity and imaginary enlightenment.
