Just off the south transept is a little flight of stairs (Marcia might differ with this description) and this door.






















As you can see, my camera wasn't welcome, so I just have to tell you about it. The big hand written and illustrated Bible was nice, but what really caught my eye and made me urge Marcia up the stairs was a globe produced in the early to mid 17th century, and though I dare not touch it, it was positioned to see the Americas.

This would have been the way my immigrating ancestors would have seen their destination, if they saw maps or globes at all. All of northern North America was called New France. All of the US Southeast was called Florida. From Mexico to the west coast was New Spain. California was thought to be an island. Though the shape of things was a bit off, the Carribean was well marked. It was one of many thrills at this cathedral.

Most of these cathedrals are built on older churches and abbeys from Saxon times. There is usually a Saint or Bishop venerated in an altar behind the middle altar, and he, more often than she, is buried there. In the case of Winchester, much of the old structure is still standing and is architecturally different from the main cathedral.

KG