Alfred’s Camelot

The rich Roman and medieval history of Winchester

3 Days From $830pp Departing Jul & Oct ‘21 Activity Level

Winchester is central to the story of Britain in the Dark Ages and early medieval times, closely associated with King Arthur and Alfred the Great, who ruled from a city which he himself transformed. This tour reveals the history of Arthur and Alfred, and reflects on Winchester as a place of pilgrimage, coronation and royal burial.

Tour Highlights

• Explore the Hospital of St. Cross, Britain’s most splendid almshouse • Visit Winchester Cathedral and learn the history of the kings buried here • Consider Arthurian legend while viewing the Great Hall’s Round Table

Day One | Winchester We join the tour at our hotel in Winchester. This handsome city began life as Roman Venta Belgarum, before becoming associated with Arthurian legend in the chaos that followed Roman occupation – Sir Thomas Malory identified the city as Camelot. But the city’s greatest prestige came in the 9th century, when Alfred the Great transformed its defenses and its street grid (still evident today) and placed Winchester at the heart of his kingdom. Such was Winchester’s lustre that the city would witness the second coronation of William the Conqueror and the truce between Stephen and Mathilda, and become the final resting place not just for King Alfred, but also King Canute and William Rufus. Before dinner, our expert Guide Lecturer will give a talk on Arthur and Alfred. Day Two | Winchester The day begins with the 12th century Hospital of St. Cross, built to cater to pilgrims venerating the bones of St. Swithun. In what has often been described as the most perfect almshouse in Britain, we explore the kitchen, brew house and Brethren Hall, as well as the imposing church associated with it. After lunch, we visit the Kings and Scribes Exhibition in Winchester Cathedral to learn about the production of the Winchester Bible, England’s finest 12th century bible, as well as the importance of the city to Early English history, before enjoying a tour of this most splendid of cathedrals. Day Three | Winchester Our tour of Winchester continues to Hyde Abbey, a former Benedictine abbey and the first resting place for King Alfred. We proceed to nearby St. Bartholomew’s Church, whose tower was built with stones from the ruined abbey. The tour then continues with an exploration of a section of the city walls and, after lunch, the Great Hall built by Henry III and immortalised by the medieval Round Table – still to be found there. Our tour ends with a visit to the Winchester City Museum, which houses artifacts that attest to the rich history of this city.

Guided by Dr Andy Fear

A Lecturer in Classics at the University of Manchester, Andy is primarily interested in Roman history.

Price includes

• Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites & museums • All taxes & gratuities Included travel

• All local transport Accommodation

• Accommodation at Mercure Winchester Wessex Hotel Culinary inclusions

• 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner

Dates & prices per person

Date Twin/Dbl Share SS 16th - 18th Jul ‘21 $855 $190 8th - 10th Oct ‘21 $830 $190