31 - 35 High Street

Winchester is always busy on a Saturday with tourists looking at the pretty buildings.

I always walk with a purpose, whereas they are wandering around in groups looking and talking.

I took time to stand to one side and look at the buildings that I normally rush past.

I chatted to a nice man standing outside a shop waiting patiently for his wife and I explained what I was doing. I took some photos and showed them to him - he seemed to like them. I wonder if he told his wife about the crazy woman.

The buildings from left to right are 31 - 35.

They are called "The Pentice" because of its covered walkway. William the Conqueror extended the Saxon Royal Palace destroying many houses and five "moneyors' mints". That left a blank wall along the High Street from the Butter Cross to Market Street. For centuries drapers and other stall holders had sold their wares in the middle of the High Street, so they merely moved up against the wall. As time went on the stalls became permanent buildings extending further and further into the High Street. When the buildings could encroach no further without blocking the street, the upper floors were extended, creating the covered walkway. By the fifteenth century The Pentice was the city's cloth market and looked very much like to does today except of course for 32 which was rebuilt in 1859 at the request of William Hayter, a china and glass dealer, who wanted a modern home for his business and family.

A friend at work had said how much she liked the Robot in my blip of 14 January

So I went into Char and bought her one. The owner says to phone the shop, if anyone wants one as they are not currently on the website. I should be getting commission

Footnote; Information on 31 - 35 from Look Up Winchester by Rodney Graham and Christopher Newberry