University of Winchester academics will be sharing their knowledge and passions with the public at this year’s Heritage Open Day events (6-15 September).
The theme for 2024 is ‘Routes, Networks and Connections’ and to tie in with this there are a number of events focusing on Winchester and the St James Way.
Medieval pilgrims made their way to Santiago de Compostela (St James of the field of stars, pictured above) in northern Spain by a variety of routes (Camino). The Camino Ingles began in Reading and ran through Winchester to Southampton where the pilgrims took ship to the continent.
You can follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims when James Beddington, Lecturer in the University’s Department of English and Creative Writing, leads three walks along the Winchester section of the St James Way from Parchment Street to St Cross.
This is also an opportunity to complete the Pilgrimage treasure hunt with his help.
Walks take place on:
The walk on 8 September will veer off the St James Way at some points to stay on paved surfaces.
Hospital of St Cross Winchester on the St James Way
The Spanish connection continues in talks about two powerful medieval queens.
Berengaria of Navarre, wife of Richard the Lionheart, is often forgotten but her biographer Gabby Storey, who completed her PhD in Medieval History at the University of Winchester, explains how the shrewd Queen used her position and political skills to forge partnerships and connections across Western Europe during her marriage and beyond.
Gabby’s talk is at The Arc in Jewry Street on Saturday, 14 September from 1.30pm to 2.15pm.
The Arc is also the venue for another talk about a formidable lady from Navarre – Joan of Navarre, the wife of Henry IV.
Joan of Navarre, who married King Henry IV in Winchester
Dr Ellie Woodacre’s talk is entitled Joan of Navarre's Circuitous Route to Winchester: The Unorthodox Making of an English Queen.
Joan married the usurper Henry at Winchester Cathedral in a lavish ceremony but as Ellie explains her route to becoming queen was far from smooth.
Ellie’s event is on Saturday, 14 September from 4pm to 4.45pm.
Nicky Gottlieb, Festival Director, Winchester Heritage Open Days, said: “Winchester Heritage Open Days is now in its ninth year and we are so grateful to have the University's support again. This year seems to be our busiest yet as the festival continues to grow in popularity across the county. Thanks go to all the academic staff who have given up their time to take part and who have been inspired by this year's festival theme of The 'Routes, Networks and Connections'.
“Of course, we are also indebted to all the wonderful student volunteers who support us, not just with the festival but year round too with other tasks, and on projects such as our Hampshire HistBites podcast.
“Heritage Open Days events organised by the University are usually the first to book up when our box office opens and this year was no exception!”
Booking details of these and other talks, walks and workshops can be found at Programme of Events — Winchester Heritage Open Days. Most events are free.