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TAMPA BAY • FEBRUARY 23-24 2026

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Oysters and a 1000-year-old Cathedral

–CONSTRUCTION of WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL and OYSTER SHELLS

Visitors to Winchester Cathedral are awestruck at the enormous structure. Upon entering the Cathedral, the longest nave in Britain is truly stunning. Visitors look up at the vast structural expanse in wonder. When an architect or large-scale building contractor visits, to say the least, they are overwhelmed!

Literally walking through a thousand years of history, there is a degree of amazement as to how it was possibly built and how it still stands in its entirety.

Arches so high, supported by large round pillars upwards to the majestic roof. The Cathedral has rounded Romanesque arches but has weight limitations. Pointed Gothic epicyclical arches support so much weight and are ‘held up’ via enormous pillars.

Consider for a  moment the task of building such tall pillars. One large, round section; some cut to create another shape with increasing height. They have to be exactly vertical. And to this day, they still are. When applying lime water-based ‘cement’ onto a base stone and placing another very heavy stone on top, lime water cement’ squeezes out of the edges. The lowest pillars taking increasing weight and are potentially unstable pillars.

Such a structure would be at risk of collapsing.

Who on earth could consider oyster shells to be an intrinsic part of constructing a Cathedral? To prevent instability, thousands of oyster shells were added to the surfaces of pillar stones preventing seepage of lime water-based ‘cement’.  They are still here a thousand years later.

Every pillar was erected in such a manner, from beneath ground level to many meters high. On a number of pillars, fragments of oyster shells are visible. Upon the Cathedral tower, oyster shells are even more obvious.

Could such a structure be built today? I am usually a positive person, but in this case, highly skeptical.

Simon Lever
Simon Lever
Prior to his retirement, Simon engaged in software and services sector search and recruitment for American companies around Europe. He has retained the enjoyment of engaging with people from other countries and cultures. His energies are now directed towards voluntary community activities, journaling, and exhibition stewardship. He is a Featured Contributor for BizCatalyst 360°. As an Exhibition Steward, at the 1000-year-old Winchester Cathedral, he is responsible for guiding visitors from the world over, around the award-winning 'Kings and Scribes Exhibition', which includes the 900-year-old Winchester Bible. The exhibition introduces visitors to Winchester's historical significance as a former capital of England. Simon's journaling activities are published on BizCatalyst 360° and accompanying posts on LinkedIn, He acknowledges the inspiration afforded him by Carol Campos of Massachusetts: Life Strategist, Writer, and Intuitive Business Leader who introduced him to writing with feeling; from the heart. Simon's forté is creative writing; the accent on the natural environment, transforming feelings, emotions, sights, sounds, and scents of Mother Nature's landscape; hills and rivers and woodland into words, transporting the reader to the locations. Essays include accounts of his life in former days. Instinctively writing in such a spontaneous manner, descriptions become life-like. His often emotionally charged writing, whether describing a surreal 'Son et Lumière' at the Grand Place in Brussels to experiences acquired during European business travel. Journaling and Exhibition Steward activities are his key sources of inspiration and creativity. Kindness is ever more important, where he is a promoter of Shelly Elsliger PPCC's 'Decide to be Kind' Campaign. Simon champions Positivity, Empathy, and Kindness and has been described as a 'Beacon of Positivity'.

DO YOU HAVE THE "WRITE" STUFF? If you’re ready to share your wisdom of experience, we’re ready to share it with our massive global audience – by giving you the opportunity to become a published Contributor on our award-winning Site with (your own byline). And who knows? – it may be your first step in discovering your “hidden Hemmingway”. LEARN MORE HERE


3 CONVERSATIONS

  1. Should any part of the construction contain limestone beyond what has been used for cement, you will find that many more oysters have been part of this monument, Simon. Because what is limestone but old seabed covered in millions of years of dead shellfish remains. The White Cliffs of Dover just one stunning example.

  2. Thank you so much for your comments Mariah. It is stunning. Many visitors from all over the world. For such a massive cathedral, it has a pleasant tranquility that is rather pleasant. I am one of over 800 volunteers covering numerous activities. I’m a Steward at the Kings and Scribes Exhibition, where apart from the history and many artifacts there is the 900 year old Winchester Bible!

RECIPIENT OF THE 2024 "MOST COMPREHENSIVE LIFE & CULTURE MULTIMEDIA DIGEST" AWARD

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