England
Hampshire

Interior view of St Swithuns within Kingsgate

St Swithun's upon Kingsgate

This very small church occupies a most unusual location atop the arch of Kingsgate, just a few yards from the Cathedral Close. Yet, for all its miniscule size, St Swithuns is quite as affecting as its grand neighbour, Winchester Cathedral.

It is believed that St. Swithuns was a chapel for lay workers at the Abbey in medieval times. The interior is very plain, with whitewashed walls and an unadorned wooden ceiling. Sit for a moment in the simple wooden pews and it is hard not to feel a sense of peace despte the noise of traffic passing only a few yards away.

Below St Swithuns, a small shop is built into space beneath the arch of Kingsgate.

Related:
St Swithun biography

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Text and images David Ross and Britain Express