Westgate Museum
About the Westgate Museum
Dominating the upper end of the High Street and located close to the Great Hall, the Westgate is one of two surviving fortified gateways in Winchester. The structure shows evidence of 12th century construction, with modifications in the 13th and late 14th centuries. The portcullis and two early gunports, for use with hand-held cannon, in the western façade were part of the later remodelling.
During the 16th to 18th centuries, the Westgate was used as both a lockup prison, for the drunken and disorderly, and as a debtors' gaol. Much of the graffiti carved in the softer stone in the upper chamber of the gate, derives from this use.
In 1898, the City Corporation acquired the Westgate and began to use it as a museum and respository for the City archives. Today, displays include the famous collection of pre-Imperial weights and measures, and a fine painted ceiling from Winchester College which was made on the occasion of Queen Mary I's marriage to Philip of Spain in Winchester in 1554.
There is access to the roof for extensive views along the High Street and towards the Great Hall of the castle.
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Opening times
April - October 
Monday - Saturday 10-5
Sunday 12-5
Closed from 1st November - 8th February 2010
February & March
Tuesday - Saturday 10-4
Sunday 12-4
Tel. 01962 869 864
Map and Access Points for Winchester Museums
Admission
Admission Free
Disabled Access
Due to its age this building is not wheelchair accessible and there is a considerably steep staircase from the street entrance.
Guide dogs are permitted and there is a hearing loop.
For those with visual impairments there is a 'touch and hear' information point.
Staff are very friendly and offer a high level of customer service.
Activities
Brass rubbing activities
Replica armour to try on
Children's quizzes
Small gift shop reflecting its collections
Latest Updates:
Educational Visits and Information
Winchester Museums’ sites offer hands-on and fun learning opportunities for schools. They are ideal venues for learning outside the classroom.
02/07/2009
Take a virtual tour the Westgate Museum
See the compact museum and fantastic view of the City from the roof
12/03/2009
In this section:
Gallery of Paintings for Art Fostering
17/09/2009
Museum Art Fostering Scheme
Here's your chance to hang one of Winchester Museums’ topographical art and portrait collection in your office.
16/09/2009
Memories of Winchester
Photographs of shops, then and now
17/08/2009
Museum Volunteers
Become a museum volunteer. Learn more about the heritage of Winchester and the District
19/08/2008
Brass rubbing at the Westgate
During your visit you can have a go at making your own brass rubbing to take away as a souvenir of your visit.
23/03/2007
Media Centre:
History of Hampshire & Isle of Wight in ten objects
BBC Radio Solent and museums across the county have revealed the list of 10 objects they have chosen to tell a history of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
19/01/2010
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Related Items:
Brass rubbing at the Westgate
During your visit you can have a go at making your own brass rubbing to take away as a souvenir of your visit.
23/03/2007
Become a Business Partner of Winchester Museums
Winchester Museums welcomes the opportunity to work with the local business community.
13/02/2007
Map and Access Points for Winchester Museums
Opening hours, maps and disabled access for Winchester's Museum sites.
24/07/2006
