ST GILES’ HILL

The view from St Giles Hill is a panorama of the city. There is a handy Information point on the edge of the open area which gives the names and locations of the major landmarks. The viewing point is still somewhat obscured by brushwood growth, but the Local Authority have upgraded the area with a new viewing platform and  improvements to the paths in the area. There is an interesting, and rather ornate, sculpted seat slightly  up the hill, conveniently placed for a relaxed enjoyment of the view.
Access is via a series of steps and rustic paths from the City side, with an alternative route from the area of the Chesil Car Park.

St. Giles Hill is the summit of a Chalk Spur, which fails steeply to east bank of River Itchen. Formerly a bare down, on which, in the late 11th Century, the St. Giles Fair,  the largest fair in Europe was held every September. For the sixteen days of the fair, all other trading in Winchester ceased, and the Bishop received the revenues normally due to the King.  Encroached upon by villa  building at the end of the 19th Century, when the  trees to be seen today were planted. Public  outcry stopped the building, and saved the summit and south west slopes of hill as open  space, which affords magnificent views over the City and St. Catherine’s Hill.