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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 VAQAS Logo
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:

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


Downloads:
File format File title File size / Download time
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Preview October 09 - March 10

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Broadband: 11 Seconds

Click here to download Acrobat PDF Viewer

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


Contact Us

Economic and Cultural Services
Winchester City Council
Colebrook Street
Winchester
SO23 9LJ

Tel: 01962 848 303

Fax: 01962 848 427

Email Economic and Cultural Services
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