We have found our way out of January and in this unseasonably warm February there are already whispers of delightful daffodils and confused crocus’ that don’t know they are meant to sleep a little longer. The snowdrops are out in force, adding little smatters of white amongst the brown leaves and of course there are the omnipresent “did you know that the sun stays up later by 3 minutes every day!” comments.
As the sky becomes bluer and the air is less harsh on little noses, it’s easy to see how the likes of Austen and Keats become so inspired. Winchester is a place steeped in the history of the poetic greats, with claims to legacy around every corner and modern-day exhibits and museums as well as trails to follow; this city is a rich tapestry just waiting to be unravelled.
Winchester (as we may have mentioned!) is full of wonderful things to see, a quality Austen understood intimately. In her weeks spent right here, she was surrounded by streets and landscapes that encouraged her writings. It’s easy to imagine how this city, in any season, lends itself to quiet reflection, whether you prefer the vast open space of the countryside for your musings, or old stone walls full of secrets, Winchester truly has a place for everyone.
In Pride and Prejudice, Austen famously notes how Elizabeth Bennet, having arrived at Netherfield by foot, has a "a face glowing with the warmth of exercise” still echoed amongst the rosy checked wanders who visit our fair city today.
Did you know that Austen was buried in Winchester Cathedral, after living out her final days at 8 College Street, which was owned by Winchester College. To mark the 250th anniversary, the house welcomed many visitors, offering an interior carefully restored to closely resemble its appearance in 1817, complete with period paintings and Regency furnishings. If you love Austen as much as we do you might be interested to follow the Austen Trail, visit her home and of course take a selfie in front of the Austen Statue.
If you prefer the musical language, and deep belief in the enduring power of beauty of Keats, read on! During his residency in the late summer and autumn of 1819 he wrote his famous poem "To Autumn", directly inspired by the Water Meadows and the Hospice of St Cross. It was originally the promise of Winchester vast library that first lead him here and he stayed for the beauty and for the daily walks between the city and the Cathedral; footsteps you can tread today, following the Keats Trail
Whilst we are brushing up on our history, have you ever heard of Wulfstan the Cantor? Here, we call him Wulfstan of Winchester, he was a beloved Anglo-Saxon monk of the Old Minster and one of the earliest figures to put Winchester on the literary map through his poetry, best known as a hagiographer, preserving the lives and legends of saints for generations to come.
Wulfstan’s writings include the Narratio metrica de S. Swithuno, a remarkable Anglo-Latin poem of over 3,300 lines all about St Swithun’s miracles and offering rare insight into the rebuilding of Winchester’s Old Minster. He also wrote the Vita S. Æthelwoldi, a biography of the reforming bishop.
Lastly, we would be remiss if we did not mention Joseph Warton (1722–1800), an English clergyman, scholar and pioneering literary critic whose imaginative poetry helped bring about the Romantic movement. Educated right here at Winchester College he later became the headmaster! It was An Essay on the Writings and Genius of Pope that secured his reputation and made him infamous.
We love reflecting on history, just part of makes our fair city, in our opinion, one of the most wonderful places on Earth, and therefore of the many reasons we created our stunning lodges, so you can enjoy all that the city has to offer and have a stunning and traditional log cabin to return home to and reflect on your day.
Whatever your reason for booking your minibreak this month, let it full of poetry, history and modern comforts! You can check out our availability right here!