Winchester's High Street Christmas Tree
Winchester's High Street Christmas tree is a festive attraction that draws many visitors to the city centre every year. The 38ft tall tree is usually installed in early November, ahead of the annual light switch-on event and the Cathedral Christmas Market. However, in 2022, the tree was delayed by a week due to Southern Water works that caused sewage flooding in the area. The tree finally went up on November 13, after the water company completed its investigation and cleared the site. The tree was decorated with lights and ornaments, and was switched on by local heroes nominated by the public on November 16. The tree remained in place until December 21, when the Christmas Market closed.
It is estimated that each Christmas around 15,000 real Christmas trees are sold in Winchester.
A study that looked at the average spend for Christmas lights and decorations for towns and cities across the UK revealed that Winchester is ranked within the top 20 lowest spending cities. The study took into account population size, and revealed that Winchester spends an average of £173 per thousand people on festive lights and decorations, and in total spends around £21,000 per year.
The red brick façade on the left is 105, High Street, Winchester is a historic building that dates back to the 18th century. It was originally a coaching inn, where travelers could rest and refresh themselves on their journeys. The 3 storey building has been renovated and restored over the years, and now houses a variety of shops, cafes, and offices. The architecture of the building reflects its rich history, with features such as a red brick, with stucco facade and a tiled roof. The building is located in the heart of Winchester, a city that boasts a cathedral, a castle, and many other attractions. 105, HIGH STREET, Winchester is a place where the past and the present meet, offering visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of this ancient city.
Beyond and to the right of the tree is the High Cross, also known as the City or Butter Cross. It is a historic monument which dates back to the early 15th century and was possibly a gift from Cardinal Beaufort, who was the Bishop of Winchester at the time. The cross is decorated with twelve figures of saints and other notable people, such as William of Wykeham, Lawrence de Anne (An early Mayor of Winchester), Aelfred the Great, and the oldest statue (Facing the nearby building) is of St John the Evangelist. There are, however, records that also indicate that this figure may be of St Amphibalus. The eight figures at high level represent, The Blessed Virgin, and the Saints Bartholomew, John, Lawrence, Maurice, Peter, Swithun, and Thomas. The cross was used as a market place for farmers to sell their produce, especially butter, cheese and eggs. The cross was nearly demolished in 1770, but was saved by a riot of the citizens who opposed its removal. The cross was restored by the architect G. G. Scott in 1865 and is now a protected structure and a scheduled ancient monument.
christmastrees.co.uk/winchester/
britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101095438-105-high-street-wi...
Winchester's High Street Christmas Tree
Winchester's High Street Christmas tree is a festive attraction that draws many visitors to the city centre every year. The 38ft tall tree is usually installed in early November, ahead of the annual light switch-on event and the Cathedral Christmas Market. However, in 2022, the tree was delayed by a week due to Southern Water works that caused sewage flooding in the area. The tree finally went up on November 13, after the water company completed its investigation and cleared the site. The tree was decorated with lights and ornaments, and was switched on by local heroes nominated by the public on November 16. The tree remained in place until December 21, when the Christmas Market closed.
It is estimated that each Christmas around 15,000 real Christmas trees are sold in Winchester.
A study that looked at the average spend for Christmas lights and decorations for towns and cities across the UK revealed that Winchester is ranked within the top 20 lowest spending cities. The study took into account population size, and revealed that Winchester spends an average of £173 per thousand people on festive lights and decorations, and in total spends around £21,000 per year.
The red brick façade on the left is 105, High Street, Winchester is a historic building that dates back to the 18th century. It was originally a coaching inn, where travelers could rest and refresh themselves on their journeys. The 3 storey building has been renovated and restored over the years, and now houses a variety of shops, cafes, and offices. The architecture of the building reflects its rich history, with features such as a red brick, with stucco facade and a tiled roof. The building is located in the heart of Winchester, a city that boasts a cathedral, a castle, and many other attractions. 105, HIGH STREET, Winchester is a place where the past and the present meet, offering visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of this ancient city.
Beyond and to the right of the tree is the High Cross, also known as the City or Butter Cross. It is a historic monument which dates back to the early 15th century and was possibly a gift from Cardinal Beaufort, who was the Bishop of Winchester at the time. The cross is decorated with twelve figures of saints and other notable people, such as William of Wykeham, Lawrence de Anne (An early Mayor of Winchester), Aelfred the Great, and the oldest statue (Facing the nearby building) is of St John the Evangelist. There are, however, records that also indicate that this figure may be of St Amphibalus. The eight figures at high level represent, The Blessed Virgin, and the Saints Bartholomew, John, Lawrence, Maurice, Peter, Swithun, and Thomas. The cross was used as a market place for farmers to sell their produce, especially butter, cheese and eggs. The cross was nearly demolished in 1770, but was saved by a riot of the citizens who opposed its removal. The cross was restored by the architect G. G. Scott in 1865 and is now a protected structure and a scheduled ancient monument.
christmastrees.co.uk/winchester/
britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101095438-105-high-street-wi...