Skill Builder Guides & reviews for building and construction
Winchester From Prehistory to the Present
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The History of England’s Cathedrals
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The Crazy 6-Year Mission to Save Winchester Cathedral
Summary
🏗️ Building on Unstable Ground: The medieval Winchester Cathedral was constructed on peat, a poor foundation choice due to its proximity to the royal palace and river Itchen, which eased material transport. Builders used elm logs to create a raft-like base.
🌊 Rotten Foundations: Water fluctuations caused elm logs to rot over centuries, threatening structural collapse. Cracks appeared, making immediate intervention critical.
🧑🔧 Diving Innovation: Engineer Francis Fox proposed underwater reconstruction, hiring diver William Walker, who worked in near-complete darkness for six years to stabilize the cathedral.
🧱 Monumental Effort: Walker placed 900,000 bricks, 114,900 concrete blocks, and 25,800 cement bags under the foundation while enduring harsh conditions.
🚲 Dedication Beyond Work: Walker commuted 65 miles weekly to see his family, showcasing unwavering commitment.
🏅 Recognition and Legacy: Despite heroic efforts, Walker’s contributions received limited recognition. A statue in his honour was misattributed initially, further highlighting his underappreciation.
💰 Tourism and Pilgrimage: Cathedrals functioned as religious and economic hubs, attracting pilgrims with relics to fund maintenance. Winchester once stood as England’s capital and a pilgrimage site.
🔥 Fire Risks: Historical and modern threats, like fire hazards, emphasise the vigilance required to preserve such architectural marvels.
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🔗 OTHER LINKS
Winchester Cathedral website
https://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk
@WinchesterCathedralTV on YouTube
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