High Street Section 1
65 - 73 High Street
This block of buildings runs from west of Southgate Street to the east side of Trafalgar Street and consists of 65 - 73 High Street. Below is a thumbnail of the architectural elevation of the complete block. Each building is then discussed. Clicking on the thumbnail will produce a larger image.
panoramic view
65, 66 High Street
'Black Swan Buildings'
This building is partly in Southgate Street, where it incorporates the site of St. Cleavers Church. A disappointing, nondescript elevation on an important corner site, replacing a nineteenth-century inn, pulled down in 1935. In that Black Swan, in 1892, Sherlock Holmes stayed during his adventure of "The Copper Beeches"; it was still "an inn of repute", replacing a much older hostelry of the same name. Today its only embellishment is the splendid carving, placed on the building in 1945 by public subscription. An ordinance of the city council in 1555 required that there should only be one inn in Southgate (then Gold) Street: hence perhaps the name - a rare bird. An early painted sign is in the bar of the Southgate Hotel, which took over the Black Swan’s licence.
67, 68, 69 High Street
Williams and Glyn's Bank
Until recently this building was two shops with fronts by Thomas Stopher. In 1965 these were replaced by a new building which won a Civic Trust Award and with its white marble and mansard roof makes an unusual contribution to this part of the street: the architects were Cruickshank and Seward of Manchester.
70 High Street
In the 1860's this was Curwells, a tobacconist who kept the only public billiard table in Winchester. To go there for a game was considered very bold and extravagant. The front of the building was designed by Thomas Stopher younger.
71 High Street
A plain 'listed' building, with as unusual early nineteenth century square 'bow' window.
72 High Street
In mid-Victorian, time The Home Tavern; rebuilt before 1927 with a modern bow window.
72(a) High Street
A Victorian front of c.1892-3: for many years the home of a well known tobacconist, Jesse Bartlett. It is now closed, but until recently a confectioner's and tobacconist shop, with a proprietor well known for his excellent sketches and drawings of Winchester.
73 High Street
A good plain house and shop with interesting round bow windows (early nineteenth century) and for many years the home of the Cave family, William, senior d.1813, and William, junior d.1817. They were both artists employed by Winchester College, in the theatre in Jewry Street, the Roman Catholic Chapel of St Peter and best known for repainting of Trusty Servant (College) in 1809, and for wall paintings from this house now on display in the City Museum. No. 73 has been much altered in recent years; including an extension around Trafalgar Street 1973. As a unit in the Caves' time, typical 'Winchester' in its mixed ownership, Cave's freehold dwelling house with shop and stable leased from Dean and Chapter. Next is the entrance to Trafalgar Street (formerly Bar Street) followed by the space taken by a well established Holm Oak Tree.(Editor Note: the Holm Oak tree was subsequently taken down and replaced by a statue of a man on a horse by Elisabeth Frink).