Cellar and historical tours of Winchelsea

The Winchelsea Archaeological Society conducts an annual series of historical tours around Winchelsea in order to increase public awareness of the importance of the local heritage and build long-term public support for its conservation. The tours are led by volunteers. They are carefully researched and draw on work done by the Society and other archaeologists. The aim is to provide an entertaining and informative picture of medieval Winchelsea.

Under Winchelsea --- a tour of the cellars of Winchelsea

Winchelsea has more medieval cellars than anywhere else in England, apart from Norwich and Southampton. There are 56 known medieval cellars (and a few post-medieval), although only 33 are currently accessible. All date from the late 13th century and most were built to service the wine trade with Gascony. The cellars are only open to the public during these tours, which explain how and why the cellars were built, set against the dramatic historical background of medieval Winchelsea.

Westside Story --- the lost suburbs

Explore the remains of the long-lost western defences & suburbs of medieval Winchelsea, in a walk down to its southernmost point at the New Gate, then back through open countryside, following forgotten streets along the western slopes of Iham Hill, to the site of the village of Petty Iham, overlooking St Leonard’s Marsh.

Hidden Winchelsea --- the lost buildings

Walk through lost medieval buildings, and learn about their architecture, the people who lived and worked in them, and what was happening when they were built. The layouts, as revealed by archaeology, will be traced on the ground and the architecture of each building described to you on the very spot where it stood. A unique opportunity to discover what is hidden under the fields and lawns of Winchelsea. The tour usually includes the nave of the Church, Blackfriars Barn, and the Blackfriars and Greyfriars monasteries, but access to Greyfriars has unfortunately been withdrawn by the new owners.

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